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German Naval Staff
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PART A VOLUME 36
.wt. DOD OF 3 MAY 1972, SUBJ;
DECL; ll RKU0KDS
AUGUST J942
6-159:
WAR DIARY OF TEE GERMAN NAVAL STAFF
(Operations Division)
PART A
August 1942
Chief, Naval Staff: Grand Admiral Raeder, Dr. h. c.
Chief of Staff, Naval Staff: Admiral Frlcke
Chief, Operations Division, Naval Staff: Captain Wagner
Volume 36
begun: 1 Aug. 19*12
closed: 31 Aug. 1942
, 3 «!tf 1972, SBM«
CONFIDENTIAL
OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE
Washington, D. C.
Foreword
1. The Office of Naval Intelligence has undertaken to translate
Important parts of the War Diary of the German Naval Staff. The
present volume, entitled War Diary of the German Naval Staff, Op-
erations Division , Part A, Volume 5b is the tenth one of the
aerie 8 to appear. Other volumes will follow shortly.
2. The War Diaries, Fart A, are Important because they contain a
day by day summary of the Information available to the German Naval
Staff and the decisions reached on the basis thereof. Together with
the Fuehrer Conferences on Matters Dealing with the German Navy, 1939-
19^5« which have been published by this office, the War Diaries should
provide valuable material for the study of naval problems arising from
total war. The War Diary, Part A, Is also a useful Index to the German
Naval Archives of World War II; references may be found In the micro-
film library of Naval Records and Library.
3. Due to the cost of publication, only a limited number of
copies could be made; It Is therefore desirable that the copies
which have been distributed are made available to other offices
which may be Interested.
Washington, D. C.
19^8
CONFIDENTIAL
1 Aug. 1942
Items of Political Importance
The question of the Second Front in Europe has considerably increased
the tension at hone, according to observations by Swedish correspond-
ents in London. Both the caustic criticisms in the Times and the
growing sharpness voiced in the press and Parliament bear out this
impression. There is no doubt that this question has confronted the l
government with its gravest crisis. British political circles place
the main blame on the vagueness of the statement about the Molotov
Pact, which has resulted in public insistance on a Second Front, thus
creating a threat to domestic peace.
The Russian radio and the Red press have now likewise begun to demand
a Second Front.
Great Britain :
In his radio address to Europe, the First Lord of the Admiralty de-
clared that the continuation of the war depends on the battle of the
Atlantic. Without the achievements of the Navy and the Merchant
Marine, Great Britain would already have collapsed.
Burma ;
On 1 Aug. the newly established central civil administration is taking
ovor. The Japanese Commander in Chief, however, remains the highest
authority.
Turkey ;
In keeping with Turkey's calculating neutrality policy, the Turkish
Prime Minister told the British Ambassador about his great satisfac-
tion with the materiel and food supplies furnished by the Allies, and
asked the U.S. Ambassador about additional wheat shipments from the
U.S.
U.S.A. ;
Roosevelt is preparing a bill introducing universal war service, in
order to mobilize for the war effort the labor resources of the na-
tion, which are estimated at 60,000,000.
The trade agreement between the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R. has been ex-
tended till 1943. Negotiations are in progress for a far-reaching
new agreement which is supposed to grant important advantages to the
Americans in return for Lend-Lease.
Portugal:
From Lisbon comes the persistent rumor that Churchill has flown to
Russia.
Sweden :
The press reports that, following a torpedo attack, Swedish escort
vessels destroyed 1 Russian submarine by means of depth charges early
in July.
-1-
CONFIDENTIAL
1 Aug. 1942
Special Items ;
The constantly increasing air raid danger and the damage inflicted
upon the German shipyards on the North Sea and the western Baltic Sea
make it imperative to continue moving the shipbuilding and repair
facilities of the navy yards to areas situated farther to the east.
This, together with the fact that shipyard facilities are inadequate
to begin with, makes 3,t necessary to utilize fully for the Navy all
shipyards that are or 1 "' will become available in the East.
The shipyards thus far taken by us in the Russian theater (e.g., in
Libau, Riga, Reval) are not very important because their capacity is
rather limited. Leningrad, on the other hand, has a highly developed
shipbuilding industry.
Figures for 1939 show that, out of a total of 15 shipyards and repair
shops in operation, the 3 largest alone employed as many as 80,000
workers in 3 shifts. While we can hardly expect these plants to fall
into our hands undamaged when we take possession of Leningrad, the
importance which the Naval Staff attaches to them is so great that it
has decided to make the following requests to the Armed Forces High
Command, Operations Staff (copies to the General Staff, Army High
Command, and the Commander in Chief, Air Force, Operations Staff), re-
ferring to Fuehrer Directive No. 44 (see War Diary 22 July):
a. It should be confirmed that the directive of the Armed
Forces High Command, Operations Staff of 19 Sep. 1941, stating that
the Navy has first claim on all installations of naval character,
applies also to Leningrad and Kronstadt.
b. Prior to the expected fall of Leningrad a directive similar
to the one which was put into effect on a previous occasion for
Nikolayev should be issued.
c. After the fall of Leningrad, all shipyards and related
plants should be exempted from any intended retaliatory measures.
Copy as per letter 1/Skl III a 1843/42 Gkdos. in War Diary, File
"Barbarossa II". (See also Conference on the Situation with the
Chief, Naval Staff on 17 July. )
Situation 1 Aug. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
The British steamer EMPIRE VOICE, located 120 miles south-
west of Freetown, sent a QQQ, distress signal, reporting the sighting
of a suspicious-looking ship; shortly thereafter, she reported having
received orders to stop.
The British steamer KALEWA sent an SOS from a location 360 miles
northeast of Capetown, reporting a collision and requesting immediate
help .
I
-2-
CONFIDENTIAL
1 Aug. 1942
2. Own Situation ;
No reports have been received from our vessels In foreign
waters.
Information on enemy situation is contained in Radiogram 1747.
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Sit uat ion :
According to a report by a neutral diplomat in England,
dated 23 Jul., large numbers of planes are being concentrated on air-
fields in the eastern and southeastern parts of the country for the
purpose of launching a massed attack on the Continent.
The reoort might refer to the large-scale raids on
Hamburg and Duesseldorf which have taken place in the
meantime . '
According to a telephone message received at 0255 from the political
Intelligence service of the Foreign Office, a French journalist re-
ported after midnight about a rumor purporting that the U.S. Embassy
in Vichy advised American reporters to stand by at their radios on
1 Aug. since an Anglo-American landing is about to take place.
If all this talk about an invasion is nothing but
bluff, as it may actually be, then the spreading of
such a rumor would prove that the enemy, too, knows
how to follow through to the minutest detail.
The photographic reconnaissance, carried out by the 3rd Air Force in
the forenoon and covering almost completely the southern coast of
England, did not reveal any particularly striking changes. Air
reconnaissance over the Channel found convoy and ship movements as
usual.
2. Own Situation ;
Atlantic Coast :
Nothing particular to report.
Channel Coast ;
During the enemy air raid on St. Malo in the afternoon of
31 Jul., 2 barges and 1 tanker lighter were sunk, in addition to
damages inflicted on the steamer "H 2 M .
The PT boat flotillas and the 8th Mine Sweeper Flotilla have been
transferred according to plan in order to start the mine operations
"Masuren" and "Samland" from Cherbourg on the night of 1 Aug.
The artillery group at Le Touquet was ordered to be on the lookout
for ships from 2300 on, engine noises having been heard for some tine.
At noon, 50 to 60 enemy planes flew over Fecamp in southerly direction.
-3-
CONFIDENTIAL
1 Aug. 1942
III. North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea t
Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
Own Situation :
During the night of 31 Jul., the second part of the mine
operation "Alba" was executed according to plan. The patrol positions
off the coast of the Netherlands have been reinforced. Numerous
flights were made by enemy planes in and out of the area of the Ad-
miral, Netherlands. Naval anti-aircraft guns shot down 4 planes in
this area, while 2 more were downed by naval coastal artillery and by
Air Force anti-aircraft artillery. The 17th and 13th Mine Sweeper
Flotillas had an engagement with enemy PT boats in the vicinity of
Zeebrugge and sank one, setting another one afire. Damage to our
vessels was slight. No casualties occurred. Another ground mine was
swept off Egmond-aan-Zee.
Group North has requested the Commanding Admiral, De-
fenses, North to report whether it is suspected or has
been observed that additional aerial mines have been
dropped, and what conclusions can be drawn with regard
to British intentions. (See Telegram 1523.)
The 4 vessels of the 12th Patrol Boat Flotilla have completed their
voyage from the Elbe to Hook of Holland.
During the day between 1000 and 1700 enemy planes reconnoitered the
German Bight and the surrounding area. One fighter of the Mosquito
ty>e (wooden) was shot down near Spiekeroog. Four bombs were dropped
in the vicinity of the freight station at Wilhelmshaven. For details
see Telegram 1913.
In the course of the day, naval anti-aircraft guns shot down 3 planes
in the Dutch area; a fourth plane was probably shot down by naval
coastal artillery. In the afternoon, enemy planes raided Flushing.
The Scheldt shipyard was slightly damaged by bombs.
Convoy routes and channels in the area of the Commanding Admiral, De-
fenses, North were swept according to plan. The 21st and 22nd Mine
Sweeper Flotillas swept mines in mine field 3.
Mine operation "Alba" (cutting float barrage SW 105) was continued by
the 8th Motor Mine Sweeper Flotilla in the night of 1 Aug. Transfer
of 6 vessels of the 2nd Motor Mine Sweeper Flotilla from Dunkirk to
Ijmuiden and of another 6 from Flushing to Dunkirk was started in the
same night.
Orders of the Group concerning laying mine fields for the protection
of the Dutch coast, in which the wishes of the Army are complied with
to a large extent, are sent to the Admiral, Netherlands and the
Commanding Admiral, Defenses North. The Naval Staff, Operations
Division is notified accordingly. Copy as per 1/Skl 18764/42 Gkdos,
in War Diary, Part C, Vol. X.
-4-
CONFIDENTIAL
1 Aug. 1942
2. Norway, Arctic Ocean :
Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance located 1 battleship, 2 cruisers, 6
destroyers, and 30 medium- si zed steamers near Reykjavik. It also
sighted 12 to 15 multi-engined planes.
Own Situation :
At 2300 on 30 Jul. and at 0100 on 31 Jul., batteries on the
Rybachi Peninsula unsuccessfully fired at convoys heading for Petsamo,
Convoys in the area of the Commanding Admiral, Norway proceeded ac-
cording to plan, without any incidents.
In the Arctic .Ocean, submarine U "601" reported as of 31 Jul. the
sinking of a 2,000 GRT steamer in quadrant AT 7267. Otherwise there
is nothing to report.
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation :
Nothing particular has been reported.
2. Own Situation :
During' the night of 31 Jul. an enemy plane penetrated into
Denmark, flying over Hanstholm. The air observation center at Hold-
ing suspects that agents were landed. In the afternoon, the enemy
carried out reconnaissance flights over Denmark and the western part
of the Baltic Sea, apparently with a single plane. Fighter defense
failed to yield results.
For the order of the Naval Station, Baltic to transfer dock "Bruno"
from Kiel to Gdynia see Telegram 1447. The operation will start on
4 Aug. at 0500.
No incidents are reported in connection with the convoy and patrol
operations in the area of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, Baltic
Sea.
The Reich Commissioner of Maritime Shipping reports that 18 vessels
are riding at anchor in Riga, 6 of which are waiting for escort.
Twelve more ships are waiting for escort in Libau and Windau, and a
Dutch floating crane is waiting in Memel. The Reich Commissioner has
asked the Navy to issue a directive to increase the escort service or
to let him know, should this be no longer possible.
Mine operations "Seehund l n and "Seeigel 21" have been started in the
area of the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea. The 1st Motor Mine
Sweeper Flotilla and 3 landing barges are carrying out the operations.
Unfavorable weather restricted subchaser operations. Convoys are pro-
ceeding according to plan.
-5-
• CONFIDENTIAL
1 Aug. 1942
Mine operations "Seehund 4" and "Seehund 5 M v are scheduled for 2 Aug.
V. Submarine War f aye
1. Enemy Situation :
During the night, the 19th Group was particularly active in
its reconnaissance operations. Two reports about submarine sightings
were intercepted. A submarine was attacked with depth charges 160
miles southwest of Brest. It is assumed that the attacker scored one
hit.
In the evening, radio intelligence located a British vessel 200 miles
west of Gibraltar.
Several submarine sighting reports from the American coast and the f
West Indies v/ere intercepted. A submarine which surfaced 75 miles
northeast of Port of Spain was attacked by a plane.
2. Own Situation :
For the success of submarine U "601" see Situation Arctic
Ocean.
Group "Pirat" was ordered to give up the search for the convoy in the
North Atlantic. Eight submarines which are to form a patrol line
from quadrant AJ 9411 to BC 3465 at 0800 on 6 Aug. are being assembled
in a group named "Steinbrinck". Submarine tanker U "463" will re-
fuel the submarines from the western Atlantic in quadrant DD 9455.
Submarine U "155" reports from the West Indies that she sank the
steamer CLAN MACNAUGHTON (6,088 GRT) in quadrant EE 94 and a steamer
of the DALLINGTON COURT class (6,900 GRT) in quadrant EE 86.
No reports have been received from the Mediterranean. For further
reports see supplement to submarine situation in War Diary, Part B,
Vol. IV.
Regarding the inadequate protection of the submarines in the Bay of
Biscay, the Commanding Admiral, Submarines reports that, upon his
urgent demands, submarine defense by the German Air Force will soon be
improved by reinforcing the units of the Air Command, Atlantic Coast.
The Commanding Admiral, Submarines has ordered the submarines, when-
ever possible, to remain submerged while crossing the Bay of Biscay
on routes other than the approach routes. Along the approach routes
submarines should proceed surfaced on account of mines, but only in the
daytime, because at night there is the added risk of detection by
enemy planes while the submarines would be unable to sight the planes
in time. The disadvantage of this regulation lies in the fact that
the approach routes are more exposed when used during the daytime, and
the enemy may mine them. To combat this danger, the Commanding Ad-
miral, Submarines suggests that the forces of the Commanding Admiral,
Defenses, West be reinforced by one flotilla of new mine sweepers. The
Commanding Admiral, Submarines considers such a reinforcement as
urgent in view of the prevailing extremely dangerous situation in the
Bay of Biscay. (See Telegram 1345.)
r
-6-
CONFIDENTIAL
1 Aug. 1942
The Naval Staff is investigating whether this proposal can be carried
out in the face of the severe shortage of available forces.
VI. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity :
During the day, 7 planes were shot down and armed recon-
naissance was carried out in the West Area. At night, a small number
of German planes carried out a raid on Norwich, following which large
fires were observed in that town.
In the afternoon, enemy planes attacked Hannover and Frankfurt on the
Main. Both towns suffered damage, and casualties were caused among
the civilian population. An air raid on Wilhelmshaven was ineffective,
During the night of 1 Aug., only isolated enemy flights were reported
over the occupied territories of the West Area.
2. Mediterranean Theater :
Our planes raided Malta with satisfactory results. The Air
Command, Africa carried out night raids.
3. Eastern Front :
53 enemy planes were shot down on 31 Jul. and 98 on 1 Aug.
During the night of 30 Jul., 8 vessels were sunk and 9 damaged on the
Volga between Astrakhan and Kamyshin. Vessels thus far sunk on the
Volga total 21,000 GRT . Due to this fact, tugs and barges do not
move at night, but enter harbors in the evening.
VTI. Warfare in the Mediterranean and in the Black Sea ;
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
According to radio intelligence, submarines are likely to
leave Gibraltar again in order to bring supplies to Malta.
Submarines were sighted south of Pola, off Cape Matapan, and in the
vicinity of Corfu.
One destroyer, 1 fast escort vessel, 3 corvettes, 2 submarines, 2
mine layers, 2 steamers, and 1 harbor tanker were riding at anchor in
Valletta.
On 31 Jul. in the evening, 1 vessel bound for Malta was located by the
Italian Navy by means of radar at a point 140 miles east of Malta.
Small air reconnaissance forces failed to' observe any ship movements
in the Eastern Mediterranean on 1 Aug. According to radio intelli-
gence, 2 cruisers and 2 destroyers are assumed to have departed from
Haifa.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean :
The Admiral, German Naval Command, Italy resumed his duties
-7-
CONFIDENTIAL
1 Aug. 1942
in Rone on 27 Jul.
An enemy submarine made an unsuccessful attack on the Italian gun-
boat CATTARO south of Pola on 31 Jul.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa :
The steamer OGADEN entered Tripoli on 31 Jul. The steamers
IIILANO and AVENTINO entered Benghazi as scheduled and, after un-
loading, started on their return voyage to Piraeus. In the evening,
enemy planes attacked the AVENTINO convoy. Otherwise, transports are
proceeding according to plan, with no incidents to report.
During the day of 31 Jul., 1,796 tons were unloaded in Tobruk.
The following German Armed Forces supplies arrived in North Africa in
July 1942:
a. From Piraeus and Crete:
b. From Italy (either direct-
ly or via Crete) :
206 men
214 vehicles
4,592 tons
471 men
994 vehicles
20,91.4 tons '
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea :
Nothing to report.
Black Sea :
Enemy Situation :
On 31 Jul., photographic reconnaissance located the follow-
ing enemy vessels:
In Novorossisk :
In Tuapse :
10 small-sized coastal vessels
2 destroyers, 6 gunboats,
5 motor mine sweepers, 9 PT boats,
1 submarine, 1 tanker, 10 steamers
and a number of small vessels
Enemy activity leads to the conclusion that he Is aware that our
forces are being assembled for the Kerch breakthrough.
On 30 Jul., planes raided the harbor and roadstead of Ivanbaba. Dur-
ing the night of 30 Jul., naval forces, presumably 3 to 5 destroyers
or fast gunboats, fired at vessels lying off the coast and at coastal
batteries in the area of Ivanbaba. When shelled from land, they
turned southeastward. They are presumed to have laid mines. On
1 Aug., at 0400, 2 PT boats penetrated into the bay between Ilich
and Ivanbaba and launched a torpedo attack against the landing barges
anchored In that area. During the night of 30 Jul., 2 mines were
observed dropped in the Strait of Kerch off Yeltigen and 1 off Ak
Burnu.
-8-
CONFIDENTIAL
1 Aug. 1942
Own Situation :
Only slight splinter damage was inflicted on the motor mine
sweepers in Ivanbaba during the enemy air raid in the evening of 30
Jul. The motor mine sweeper R "163" is out of commission. On 31 Jul.
the PT boat route was searched for mines. During the attack by
enemy PT boats in the morning of 1 Aug., the landing barge MFP "334"
was badly* damaged by a torpedo and grounded. Attempts are being made
to lay a net barrage off Ivanbaba, Intensified enemy activity is
quite effective, due to our lack of anti-aircraft protection, air
reconnaissance, and fighter protection.
It is planned to have 4 boats of the 1st PT Boat Flotilla lay river
mines type C in the southern approaches of the Kerch Strait on the
night of 1 Aug.
Special Items :
a. In reply to an inquiry by the Naval Staff Operations Di-
vision (see War Diary 18 Jul.), the Italian Naval Staff has declared
itself basically in agreement with the proposed transfer to the
Caspian Sea of part of the Italian forces (surface vessels) employed
at present in the Black Sea. The Italian Naval Staff is, however,
unable to supply any further vessels for the Black Sea area.
Naval Group South, the Admiral, Black Sea, and the Quartermaster
Division of the Naval Staff are being notified to this effect via
Telegram l/Skl 18741/42 Gkdos. Copy in War Diary, Part C, Vol.
XIV a.
b. According to the report from Group South, Antonescu has ex-
pressed his agreement, for the time being orally, to the removal of
battery "Tirpitz", and has requested that 1 medium railway artillery
battery be emplaced in Constanta. Group South, in agreement with the
Naval Staff Quartermaster Division, Fleet Branch, is endorsing this
measure. In the Group's opinion, a further favorable development of
the Army operations will make it unnecessary to transfer battery
"Tirpitz" to the Russian Black Sea area, and the 20.3 cm battery
captured at Ochakov will suffice for Sevastopol. A written confirma-
tion by Antonescu has been promised.
The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division is taking "up the
matter in accordance with the directive by the Commander
in Chief, Navy. (See War Diary 20 and 21 Jul.)
VIII. Situation East Asia
Nothing to report.
-9-
CONFIDENTIAL
1 Aug. 1942
DC, Army Situation
1. Russian Front ;
Army Group A :
Combat activities against' reinforced enemy rear guards are
reported from south of the Yelets sector. On the remaining sectors
of the Caucasian front, the advance of our troops continues accord-
ing to plan. Our forces occupied Remontnaya at the point where the
railway crosses the river Sal.
Army Group B :
Our troops reached the river Chir northwest of Chirskaya
and the river Don north of Kalach. Near Serafimovich, Italian troops
threw the enemy back as far as the Don river.
Central Army Group :
On the entire 9th Army sector from Rzhev up to Byeloi, the
enemy carried out strong containing attacks which resulted in isolated
penetrations and set off counterattacks.
Northern Army Group ;
No noteworthy fighting has been reported.
2. Finnish Front ;
Nothing noteworthy occurred.
3. North Africa ;
No fighting to report. Enemy planes are intensifying their
attacks on our troops.
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-10-
CONFIDENTIAL
2 Aug. 1942
Sunday
Items of Political Importance
The attitude of the U.S. Government in the question of the Second
Front in Europe is being influenced to an increasing extent by the
impending elections. The Daily Mall reports that, strictly speaking,
there is no enthusiasm whatsoever in the United States for the
establishment of a Second Front, since every sensible person can see
that it is an impossible demand in view of the shortage of shipping
space. In connection with a Second Front, American newspapers dis-
cuss the question of a unified command, for which they mention in the
first place De Gaulle, then MacArthur, Marshall, and MacNaughton. In
addition to the objections already raised against a Western Front,
they point to the fact that even Hitler did not risk an invasion.
Among the more important newspapers in Great Britain, the Times and
the News Chronicle alone continue to advocate the Second Front. In
so doing, the Times places special emphasis on the dangerous effects
which the failure to relieve the Soviets might have on the political
situation at home. All the other press organs have shifted com-
pletely over to the line apparently dictated by the British Govern-
ment .
As for the enemy's shipping situation , an increasing number of
American public officials point to the decisive military importance
of this problem. Contrary to the more frequent expressions of
apprehension that the speed in building new ships cannot keep pace
with the ship losses, the U.S. Navy Department states that during the
month of July the U.S. shipyards completed 71 vessels totalling
790,000 tons. (These are not GRT.)
According to United States News, German reports about sinking of
ships in American waters are not far from the truth.
Situation 2 Aug. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
South Atlantic ;
A British steamer sent an SSS signal reporting sighting a
submarine 70 miles east of Lagos.
Indian Ocean :
The Consulate in Lourenco Marques reports that 2 convoys
are scheduled to leave Durban on 4 Aug. According to an agent's re-
port, 2 convoys of 35 to 40 ships each are scheduled to leave Cape-
town for Egypt every month. An agent in the service of the same
Consulate reports that the auxiliary cruiser CARNARVON CASTLE was
sunk.
No other facts are known to us in connection with this
sinking.
-11-
CONFIDENTIAL
2 Aug. 1942
2. Own Situation :
No reports have been received about our vessels.
Blockade-runner V7ESERLAND was ordered by the Naval Staff Operations
Division, Merchant Ships, as per 1/Skl.I'K 1292/42 Gkdos, Chefs, of
18 Jul. 1942, to proceed to Japan by way of Cape of Good Hope or, if
necessary, by way of Cape Horn. Copy no'j 4 in War Diary, Part C,
Vol. I.
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation ;
Interrogation of the crew of the motor gunboat n 328", which
was sunk in the Channel on 21 Jul., revealed the following: In July
there were stationed in Dover 1 motor gunboat division of 4 boat3,
1 motor torpedo boat flotilla, and 1 mine layer division, but no de-
stroyers. On 21 or 22 Jul., motor torpedo boat "201 w was sunk during
an engagement at 0100. German air raids on Birmingham in June 1942
did considerable damage. Less successful is the shelling of the long-
range battery on the Channel coast. The radio station southwest of
Dover was presumably destroyed prior to April 1942. So far, gunfire
against convoys consisting of small vessels in the Channel has proved
ineffective. For details see Telegram 1800.
2. Own Situation :
Atlantic Coast :
One mine was swept by a mine-sweeping plane off Lorient.
Our forces started laying ground mines with electric firing devices
north and south of the entrance to the naval harbor of Brest. For
the corresponding message by the Admiral, French Coast, see Telegram
1640.
Channel Coast :
At 0015, the battery group at Le Touquet opened fire on 6
enemy PT boats that had been located. The boats retaliated with
counterfire and turned away.
Mine operations "Masuren" and "Samland" have been executed according
to plan from Cherbourg. Remote escort was furnished by the 2nd PT
Boat Flotilla consisting of 7 boats. At 0242, the 8th Mine Sweeper
Flotilla, while approaching Cherbourg, had an engagement with 8 to
10 enemy motor gunboats and motor torpedo boats and 1 light gun
carrier. Two enemy vessels were reported as probably destroyed. Our
casualties were light. Naval Commands at Cherbourg were on second
degree alert from 0300 to 0400. The 2nd PT Boat Flotilla has
arrived at Cherbourg. The. 3rd Torpedo Boat Flotilla has entered
Lezardrieux and is going to transfer to St. Malo during the night of
2 Aug. In view of the fact that after last night's operation torpedo
boat T "4" is again out of commission, Group West repeats its urgent
request for transfer of an extra boat to the West Area.
♦
-12-
CONFIDENTIAL
2 Aug. 1942
The Naval Staff recognizes the need for such a measure. Further
torpedo boats will be allotted to Group West as soon as possible.
At present* no extra boats are available. Allocations of boats for
torpedo training, as well as for open water firing in Trondheim, are
indispensable for submarine warfare.
See Telegram 1818 for communications notifying Group West, Group
North, the Fleet, and the Commander, Destroyers to this effect.
Route "Herz" between points 232 and 234 has been temporarily closed
on account of mines.
For report of the Admiral, French Coast concerning the laying of a
mine field in the outer approaches to Boulogne, see Telegram 1430.
III. North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea .:
Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
Own Situation :
Mine operation ""Alba" (barrage 105) continued according to
plan. Work on mine field 3 was completed (see Telegram 2245). Mine
detonating vessels succeeded in removing mines off Egmond-aan-Zee,
Den Helder, Terschelling, and Norderney.
The 6 vessels of the 2nd Motor Mine Sweeper Flotilla have completed
transfer from Ostend to Flushing and the other 6 have transferred
from Flushing to Dunkirk.
On' the afternoon of 2 Aug., enemy planes were active over Scheveningen
and the German Bight between Norderney and Foehr. Naval anti-air-
craft guns shot down 2 enemy planes during the raid on Scheveningen.
2. Norway, Arctic Ocean :
Enemy Situation :
Photographic reconnaissance over Iceland located 1 battle-
ship of the KING GEORGE V class, 1 heavy cruiser, apparently of the
CUMBERLAND class, 1 DIDO-class cruiser, 7 destroyers, 41 steamers,
and 3 tankers (totalling approximately 185,000 to 190,000 GRT) in
Hval Fjord, and 14 steamers totalling about 11,500 GRT in. the
Reykjavik roadstead.
Evidently the assembly of convoy PQ, 18 has been com-
pleted.
The Japanese Navy reports through the Naval Attache in Berlin that on
26 Jul. a Russian convoy of unknown strength departed from Petro-
pavlovsk via the northern route.
This substantiates the reports so far received.
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CONFIDENTIAL
2 Aug. 1942
Own Situation !
There is nothing particular to report from the area of the
Commanding Admiral, Norway.
Admiral Schmundt reports that the Admiral, Arctic Ocean has sur-
rendered his duties to Rear Admiral Thiele.
No noteworthy reports have been received from the submarines in the
Arctic Ocean.
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation ;
Nothing to report .
2. Own Situation :
Mine operation "Duesseldorf " (experimental barrage of rack
mines type A in the Skagerrak) is being carried out by submarine U
"119".
Mine-detonating vessels serving as escorts swept 1 ground mine off
Korsoer. Another mine was swept by a Danish torpedo boat along the
Nyborg ferry route.
Group North points out to the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, Baltic
Sea and Naval Station, Baltic that increased watchfulness is necessary
due to the facts that the enemy is dropping so few mines in the area
of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, Baltic Sea, particularly in the
Sound, and that an enemy directive has become known concerning the
escape of Russian submarines from the Baltic Sea. (See Telegram
1712.)
In the area of the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea, mine opera-
tions "Seehund I" and "Seeigel XXI" were broken off because of bad
weather which also prevented mine-sweeping operations.
Mine sweeper M "16" ran aground in the vicinity of Porkkala. One
drifter of the coastal patrol flotilla was hit by a mine north of
Aegna, probably in the "Nashorn XII" minefield, and sank after being
towed into Reval.
Transports are proceeding according to plan.
The Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea reports that the convoy
situation is extremely critical due to the shortage of escort vessels.
Only if the order requiring compulsory escort is revoked, can the
congestion of ships in Riga and Libau be relieved. The risk of pro-
ceeding unescorted as suggested is considerably reduced as long as,
on calm days, vessels of the 31st Mine Sweeper Flotilla occupy
positions along route "Braun". (See Telegram 2020.)
In accordance with the suggestion of the Commanding Admiral, Baltic
Countries, the Naval Staff Operations Division has proposed to the
Air Force Operations Staff that one bomber squadron be supplied for
the Gulf of Finland. Due to the shortage of planes, the Air Force is
-14-
CONFIDENTIAL
2 Aug. 1942
unable to comply with this suggestion. It intends to carry out the
bombing missions in that area as they come up, weather and ground
conditions permitting.
The Naval Staff is notifying Group North and the Commanding Admiral,
Baltic Countries accordingly.
V. Submarin e Warfare
1. • Enemy Situation :
According to intelligence reports from Spain, a convoy with
troops and materiel is expected to arrive in Gibraltar between 5 and
Aug. This is apparently the convoy from the U.S. en route to
Alexandria which has already been announced. (See War Diary 28 Jul.)
Reports on submarine attacks in the Trinidad area and in the Florida
Strait were intercepted.
2. Own Situation ; t
At 0950, submarine U "552" established contact with a con-
voy in quadrant BC 5955. All submarines of the former groups "Wolf"
and "Pirat" have received orders to attack that convoy. Three more
boats made temporary contact with the convoy in the course of the
day. Submarine IT "552" reports that she has torpedoed 2 steamers
totalling 16,000- GRT. The operation is being continued.
4
Two submarines stationed in the Reykjavik area are being notified
that convoy PQ, 18 will probably depart from Hvalsund during the first
week of August. Attempts should be made to intercept the convoy in
quadrant AE 53-59.
Submarine "Kirschbluete" has reported her position and is expected to
reach the center of quadrant 3F 4790 on 5 Aug. The boat is bound for
Lorient.
No successes have been reported by the submarines off the American
East Coast.
In the West Indies, submarine U "160" is at the moment in contact with
a convoy of 6 to 8 large steamers In quadrant EE 8772. Anti-aircraft
fire is forcing the submarine to withdraw. She reports having sunk •
the steamer TREMINNARD (4,694 GRT) and taken aboard the captain.
Submarine U "509" was damaged by aircraft bombs in quadrant DM 1732
and withdrew for repairs.
Strong defense action prevented submarine U "134" from firing at a
convoy of 6 steamers in quadrant DM 6439.
Increased tanker traffic has been observed between Trinidad and South
American harbors.
Submarine U "565" sank another auxiliary sailing vessel in the
Mediterranean.
For further details see supplement to the submarine situation in War
Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
-15-
' CONFIDENTIAL
2 Aug. 1942
VI. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity 1
During the day, Bridgeport, York, Lincoln, and other
localities were bombed with observed success. On the night of 2 Aug.
our planes raided Bradford.
One FW 200 raided and obviously damaged the radio station Hoefn on
Iceland.
Bad weather (thunderstorm) limited reconnaissance operations over the
sea area around the British Isles.
2. Mediterranean Theater ;
Our planes raided Malta.
3. Eastern Front :
Photographic reconnaissance of the Volga river located 77
freight barges, 17 motor barges, 8 paddle tugs, and small vessels in
Kuibyshev. More than 60 cargo vessels were counted between
Kuibyshev and Marks.
No further reports have been received.
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and in the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
Nothing to report.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean :
During the night of 31 Jul., bombs were dropped on the
motor ship M0NVIS0 in Navarino. The raid was ineffective. During
that night, as well as on the night of 1 Aug., enemy planes raided
Tobruk. The tug MAX BEHRENDT was again damaged. The Italian tug
ALATO suffered heavy damage. As a result of enemy raids on Bardia
on the night of 1 Aug., the motor mine sweeper R "9" and the tank
landing vessels F "347'* and "356" burned up and sank. . The motor mine
sweeper R "11" was badly damaged and had to be brought ashore.
Casualties were light.
The enemy's superiority in the air is really making
itself felt.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa ;
The steamer ISTRIA entered Tripoli on 1 Aug. On the even-
ing of 2 Aug., enemy planes attacked the convoy of the steamer
TERGESTEA proceeding from Patras to Benghazi. Details are still
lacking. Otherwise, the transport of supplies proceeded without in-
cidents.
The German Commanding Officer, Supply and Transports, Italy and
Italian authorities have agreed on the following ba^lc program for the
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CONFIDENTIAL
2 Aug. 1942
transport of supplies:
Supplies to .be brought from the Italian area:
a. To Tobruk - 2 large vessels per week, with 16 ^ ,000 tons of
German and 16,000 tons of Italian supplies per month .
b. To Benghazi - 4 ships every week, with 16,000 tons of
German cargo per month.
c. Of the above (paragraph b.), 8,000 tons are to be shipped
every month to the Tobruk-Marsa Matruh area by coastal vessels.
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea :
Nothing to report.
Black Sea r
Enemy Situation :
Radio intelligence reports only isolated movements of naval
forces on 1 and 2 Aug. In addition to 8 submarines, 1 flotilla
leader and 1 destroyer were observed at sea.
On 30 Jul. and on the morning of 31 Jul., 2 gunboats shelled
Kagalnik on the Don delta. On 31 Jul., in the evening, a PT boat
passed through the Kerch Strait.
Own Situation :
No success was scored when our artillery fired at the
enemy PT boat in the Kerch Strait.
On the forenoon of 1 Aug., the 1st Landing Flotilla, composed of 10
landing barges, arrived at Sevastopol. Three of the barges will re-
main there, while 7 transferred at noon to Balaklava. From Balaklava,
5 of these barges are to break through the Kerch Strait during .the
night of 2 Aug. The 1st Landing Flotilla will cover the operation
in southerly direction.
Three Italian subchasers arrived in Yalta on 31 Jul.
Convoy operations in the Black Sea are proceeding according to plan.
Transport of supplies In the Sea of Azov will be feasible as soon as
the channels have been searched as far as Azov.
VIII. Situation East Asia
On 1 Aug., Sydney broadcast another submarine warning for an
area 50 miles south of that harbor.
-17-
CONFIDENTIAL
2 Aug. 1942
IX. Army Situation
1. Russian Front :
Army Group A t
Despite Increased resistance, our offensive in the
Kushchevskaya area continued to gain ground. Following the enemy
retreating in a southeasterly direction, our infantry and panzer
divisions reached the line Yekaterlnovskaya-Dmitriyevskaya-
Pregradnoye east of Kushchevka. East and northeast of Salsk the
mopping-up of the Yegorlyk sector continues.
Army Group B ;
Kotelnikovo has been captured. North and northwest of
Kalach, the enemy is carrying out heavy armored attacks on a wide
front. For the major part, these attacks have been repulsed. In the
Don river bend southeast of Kletskaya, our planes counterattacked the
enemy tanks. Sixty tanks were destroyed. The Italian mobile di- a
vision repelled enemy attacks in the area south of Serafimovieh. The
enemy still holds isolated positions west of the Don* Enemy attacks
near Boguchar, Svoboda, and south of Yelets were repulsed.
Central Army Group ;
Heavy enemy attacks in the Rzhev area continue with un-
diminished intensity. Enemy attacks are likewise reported from the
area north and south of Byeloi.
Northern Army Group :
Our offensive on the Volkhov front is making good progress.
South of Leningrad, the enemy succeeded in penetrating our lines
s omewhat .
2. Finnish Front :
Assault detachments and reconnaissance patrols were active
on the southeastern front.
3 . North Africa f |
Reconnaissance and artillery activity.
-18-
CONFIDENTIAL
3 Aug. 1942
Items of Political Importance
In connection with the question of the Second Front in Europe , diplo-
matic circles abroad interpret Franco's and Suner's intention to take
a few weeks' vacation as a sign that the Spanish government, too,
discounts the possibility of a European invasion in the very near
future .
The Observer is of the opinion that very heavy air raids on Germany,
such as have frequently been demanded, can only serve as a prepara-
tion but not as a substitute for a Second Front.
For press opinions from Great Britain and America see Political Re-
view No. 179, Paragraph 1.
India:
The Executive Committee of the Congress Party is reported to have
asked Churchill for assurance that the Cripps proposals will not be
withdrawn after the war. Gandhi is expected to meet with the Moslem
leader JInnah. In a statement in the Hari ja n , Gandhi said that a
free India could play a decisive part in the war on the side of the'
Allies.
Canada ;
Canada will maintain her diplomatic relations v/ith France although,
according to the statement of her Prime Minister, Canada can have no
respect for Laval as a mouthpiece of Germany.
Turkey ;
A newspaper article by Representative Attay, dealing with the famine
in Europe during the coming winter, expresses the view that the Allies
are the ones who have the main power to decide whether there will be
peace or war, but there are no indications among the Allies that hopes
for peace which have been aroused by the German victories in Russia
are justified.
Argen tina ;
The British press is trying to frighten Argentina with the specter of
isolation. As an argument, the press points to a change in orienta-
tion of the foreign policy in Chile.
Japan ;
Military circles in Chungking expect that Japanese hostilities
against Russia will start during the second half of August.
Chin a:
The U.S. representative has assured the government that military aid
to China will be increased.
■19-
CONFIDENTIAL
3 Aug. 1942
Conference on the Situation with t,he Chief, Naval Staff
In a Very Restricted Circle :
I. On 30 Jul., the Naval Staff, complying with a request of Group
North (see V/ar Diary 26 Jul.), asked the Armed Forces High Command,
Operations Staff, for approval of the transfer of German coastal
mine-laying boats and Italian submarine chasers from Lake Ladoga to
the Gulf of Finland. FJpi» copy see 1/Skl I op 1467/42 Gkdos. Chefs,
in V/ar Diary, Part C, Vol. III. Surprisingly, the Armed Forces High
Command, Operations Staff has denied the request, giving as a reason
the fact that the Finnish Marshal considers a transfer of the German
and Italian boats from Lake Ladoga undesirable.
It is possible that the Armed Forces High Command,
Operations Staff wants to keep these vessels ready for
use in our operation against Leningrad in September
when the enemy may again use large vessels which could
also be effectively attacked with mines.
II. Showing the submarine chart to indicate the mines laid in the
Chesapeake Bay, the Chief, Naval Staff points out that the Portuguese
steamer NYASSA carrying German passengers will leave Baltimore on 8
Aug. This fact is known to the Naval Staff, Operations Division, and
it has already communicated to the Foreign Office those routes from
Baltimore which are considered safe. While mentioning the steamer
NYASSA, the Naval Staff, Operations Division will add a reminder that
the Portuguese government, too, should be informed about these routes.
III. The Chief, Communications Division, Naval Staff reports on the
installation of radar equipment in operational submarines and the
assignment of enlisted personnel of the Communications Equipment Ex-
perimental Command to aid the work in the shipyards.
IV. The Chief, Quartermaster Division, Naval Staff reports that the
Italian Navy has made another request for 25,000 tons of fuel oil. In
the opinion of the Chief, Quartermaster Division, the Italian Navy has
been receiving 50,000 to 60,000 tons from Rumania every month during
the last few months according to schedule. Our situation does not
permit any further allocations from the Navy's quota. For this
reason, the inquiry of the Armed Forces High Command in connection
with this Italian request has been answered in the negative.
The Chief, Naval Staff agrees.
From 3 to 6 Aug., the Chief, Naval Staff will visit France in order
to inspect the defenses against enemy landings in that country. The
Deputy to the Chief of Operations Branch will participate in the in-
spection tour as representative of the Operations Division.
Special Items :
I. Basing its considerations on the experience gained in the war, as
well as on the conclusions drawn from the demonstration of landing
vessels to a Japanese commission, the Naval Staff, Operations Division
has reexamined the plans and objectives of the Navy in this field.
-20-
CONFIDENTIAL
3 Aug. 1942
The results have been transmitted to the Naval Staff, Quartermaster
Division, -with the request to determine and make known the respective
competencies of Army and Navy according to the problems posed, and to
develop in cooperation with the Army, the plans and further measures
in line with these propositions.
For copy see 1/Skl I opa 18329/42 Gkdos. in War Diary, Part B, Vol.V.
II. On' 20 Jul., Group North submitted its final report on operation
"Roes sel sprung".
The Naval Staff agrees in general with the conclusions laid down in
this report and remarks as follows:
1. It has been established that the convoy was broken up be-
fore our naval forces appeared on the scene. The reasons are assumed
to be the following:
a. The British do not send their heavy vessels into areas con-
trolled by our bomber forces as long as attack conditions for the
latter are favorable. For this reason they had to leave the tactical
protection of the convoy to the cruiser group. In view of the con-
centrated air attack, the cruisers were unable to give the ships the
amount of anti-aircraft protection necessary to hold the convoy to-
gether. Poor convoy discipline on the part of the numerous American
steamers might likewise have been a factor. Thus, under the blows
of the attack by German planes, the convoy disintegrated more and more
Since the fuel reserves. of the cruisers were probably not adequate
for prolonged escort, and since after the disintegration of the con-
voy the usefulness of the cruisers was outweighed by the danger from
submarines and planes, the cruisers soon left the convoy.
The destroyers alone, which according to prisoners' statements, re-
fueled during their voyage from the tankers in the convoy, did not
suffice to protect the dispersed ships which thus became the prey of
the submarines and the airplanes.
b. Inadequate fuel was probably another factor in determining
the action of the heavy ships. It is unlikely that these ships were
able to refuel 'at sea. Thus, since they had to return home, these
ships had reached the limit of their range on 5 Jul.
2. The route chosen by convoys sailing from Iceland to the
Russian harbors in the Arctic Ocean will at all times be as far away
as possible from the mainland coast, following the ice boundary. The
fact that during the coming months the ice boundary will shift farther
to the north will reduce the prospect of successful attacks by our
Air Force. On the other hand, the route which the enemy ships will
have to follow will be considerably longer, so that the endurance of
the escort forces will have to be even greater than before. If the
enemy succeeds in increasing the speed of the convoys, the higher
average speed, which is more economical for the naval forces, will
partly compensate for the greater distance. Nevertheless, the enemy
will be compelled to undertake measures to arrange either for reliev-
ing the escort forces or for refueling them. One such possibility is
offered by the circumstance that the coast of Spitsbergen, with its
anchorages, is ice-free.
The 4 destroyers sighted by our air reconnaissance in the area 120
miles southwest of Spitsbergen on 22 Jul. 1942 permit the assumption
that they were sent to take over convoys coming from the east.
-21-
CONFIDENTIAL
3 Aug. 1942
3. In any case, we have to county with the fact that, should
any further convoys pass by in August f,
a. They will be within the range of our bomber forces for only
a short distance
b. They will not : ^fesperse again, contrary to all rules, before
they are in safety •^ \
It nay therefore be assumed that the chances for our submarines and
air forces will no longer be as good as they were during the attack
on convoy PQ 17. Thus, the significance of the naval forces in de-
stroying enemy supply vessels remains unaffected.
4. Prom early September on, due to the longer hours of dark-
ness, conditions for submarine operations will again improve for a
short period, until stormy weather and ice will make submarine attacks
too difficult and, in the end, impossible.
The naval representatives at the Fuehrer Headquarters,
at the Armed Forces High Command, Operations Staff,
at the Air Force Operations Staff, and at the General
Staff, Army High Command have been advised of the re-
port of Group North and of the Naval Staff's reaction.
See 1/Skl I op 139G/42 Gkdos. Chefs, in Files "Roesselsprung". Mar-
ginal note: (Not there).
On 2 Aug., Group North, referring to Paragraph 4 of the Naval Staff's
reply, called attention to its suggestion of 7 Jul. 1942, in the sit-
uation report about the Hybachi Peninsula operation, dealing with the
elimination of Murmansk and of the entire Kola area by attacking
Kandalaksha.
Since the intentions of the Armed Forces High Command, Operations
Staff in this direction have already been made known, no action is to
be taken.
Situation 3 Aug. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
According to intelligence reports from Spanish and French
sources, it is feared that planes flying from Freetown will raid Port
Etienne. Defense measures have been ordered.
Otherwise, there is nothing to report.
2. Own Situation :
Nothing to report.
-22-
CONFIDENTIAL
3 Aug. 1942
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation :
The Admiralty reports about an allegedly successful en-
gagement which occurred between a formation of British light coastal
patrol vessels and German vessels directly off Cherbourg on the night
of 1 Aug. The report states that 2 German PT boats were sunk and
other German vessels damaged during the engagement. Two German tor-
pedo boats are reported to have been hit. Ho damage and only 2 minor
casualties were suffered "by the British forces!
The engagement in question was the one involving the Gth Mine Sweeper
Flotilla (see War Diary 2 Aug.) which had reported 2 enemy vessels as
probably destroyed, while sustaining only light casualties itself.
This is another example of the unreliability of ob-
servations during night engagements.
Air reconnaissance found ship movements and the number of ships
anchored along the southern coast as usual.
Radio intelligence intercepted a message to an enemy command post re-
porting the position of a German force in the South Foreland area. It
is assumed that mines have been laid between Boulogne and Le Touquet.
An unidentified vessel reported sighting ship wreckage in the area of
Lowestoft.
2.
Own Situation:
Atlantic Coast :
A mine-sweeping plane removed one mine off Lorient.
The Naval Staff recognizes the demand of the Commanding Admiral, Sub-
marines for reinforcement of the forces of the Commanding Admiral,
Defenses, West in the Bay of Biscay by 1 flotilla of new mine
sweepers.
For the time being, the general shortage of vessels makes it im-
possible to realize this demand by drawing on forces of Group North.
For this reason, the Naval Staff requests Group West to investigate
the possibilities of meeting these just demands of the Commanding Ad-
miral, Submarines by a shift in the forces available within the area
of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, West. (Replacements of auxiliary
mine sweepers on the western coast of France by new mine sweepers
operating in the Channel.)
For the corresponding directive to Group West and to the Commanding
Admiral, Defenses, West, with copy to the Commanding Admiral, Sub-
marines, see Telegram 1801.
Channel Coast :
On the night of 2 Aug., the 3rd Torpedo Boat Flotilla
transferred to St. Malo.
The 4th Motor Mine Sweeper Flotilla had an engagement with British PT
boats off Cape Gris Nez at 0152 and arrived with all its boats in
Boulogne at 0230. Details are not yet known.
-23-
CONFIDENTIA L
3 Aug. 1942
III. North Sea f Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea :
Enemy Situation :
There was little air activity. Air reconnaissance reports
voy movements along the eastern coast a,s, usual.
con
Own Situation:
» '
During the night o«f 2 Aug., mine operation "Alba" was
carried on as scheduled by laying the mine field 104. On that
occasion, at 2345, the 8th Motor Mine Sweeper Flotilla sighted 4
enemy PT boats in quadrant AN 8516. The enemy boats avoided battle
(see Telegram 1100).
On that night, just as during the night before, patrol positions
along the Dutch coast were held by stronger forces.
Mine-detonating vessels have swept 3 ground mines. Convoy and
channel-sweeping operations in the area of the Commanding Admiral, De-
fenses, North are proceeding according to plan with no incidents to
report .
At 1355, 20 Spitfires, carried out a low-level attack on Flushing.
Naval anti-aircraft shot down 2 planes.
In the afternoon, enemy reconnaissance planes were reported over the
German Bight. Our fighters failed to score any success.
2, Norway, Arctic Ocean :
Enemy Situation :
The Military Attache in Stockholm confirms the intelligence
report stating that the main base of the Norwegian troops in Scotland
is in the Wick area. He adds that the increased activity in northern
Scotland and on Iceland presumably points to preparations for an
offensive against northern Norway.
According to an intelligence report from Iceland of 25 Jul., an agent
observed a convoy of 18 steamers enter Hval Fjord on 18 Jul. Several
of the ships carried planes and tanks as deck cargo. Further ships
are said to have arrived between 18 and 25 Jul. (This is a confirma-
tion of other reports received about the assembly of convoy PQ, 18.)
Air reconnaissance over the North Sea failed to yield results.
Own Situation :
The 3rd row of the net barrage in Aasen Fjord has been laid.
Enemy reconnaissance planes flew over the area of Trondheim, evident-
ly on a routine inspection of the berths in that area.
Convoy operations in the area of the Commanding Admiral, Norway are
proceeding as scheduled.
Group North has ordered the immediate release of the 5th Mine Sweeper
Flotilla to enter the shipyards in Holland. For the Group's further
directive concerning the distribution of naval forces in the
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CONFIDENTIAL
3 Aug. 1942
Norwegian area, see Telegram 1259.
Submarine U "601" gave the following brief report on the operation
off the Novaya Zemlya coast: between 21 and 24 Jul. no ship move-
ments were observed off the Matochkin Strait. For copy see 1/Skl
18988/42 Gkdos. in War Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
Special Items :
A
On 27 Jul., the Naval Staff, Hydrographic and Meteorological Division
issued its directions for operations orders and meteorological pro-
jects in 1942-1943. To ensure the meteorological service in the north
area, the Chief of the Meteorological Branch of the Naval Staff has
planned and prepared the following 4 operations for the period 1942-
1943:
(!•). "Holzauge"
(2). "Knospe II"
(3). "Hessen" ■
(4). "Zenith"
By these operations, a network of weather stations is to be erected
in the north area, which would ensure better weather reporting than
thus far available.
For copy of the corresponding instruction of the Naval Staff, Hydro-
graphic and Meteorological Division see l/Skl 18404/42 Gkdos. in War
Diary, Part C, Vol. II.
To this, Group North reports that operation "Holzauge" will definitely
be executed. The date of departure from northern Norway depends on
the convoy situation and air reconnaissance in the Arctic Ocean.
Decision about operation "Knosoe II" cannot be made until just before
its start, since nobody can as yet foresee in what way the situation
in the Arctic Ocean will develop.
Concerning the operations "Hessen" and "Zenith", Group North requests
that, both for operational reasons and in view of the general enemy
situation, no further weather ships be left at sea for use as relay
stations. If the enemy can locate our vessels, he will undertake
countermeasures which may interfere with our decisions. On the whole,
the v/eather service of our Air Force and of the submarines at sea has
so far proved adequate. According to previous experience with
"Knospe", communications with "Holzauge" appear ensured even without
rslay stations, except during periods of considerable magnetic dis-
turbances. (See Telegram 1042.)
The Naval Staff, Operations Division will state its position later.
IV. Sk agerr ak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
-25-
CONFIDENTIAL '
3 Aug. 194*
2. Own Situation :
No incidents have been reported in connection with convoy
and patrol operations in the area of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses,
Baltic Sea.
Group North intends to dispense with the mine-laying operations
"Se villa grosse Ausfuehrung", "Sevilla", and "Skarskhorn" in the
Baltic Sea entrances which were planned in connection with operation
"Barbarossa". Instead, it intends to place the mine carrier OTTER,
which originally was to be used in these operations, together with
her load of mines, immediately at the disposal of the Commander, Mine
Sweepers, Baltic Sea, in order to provide him with the necessary re-
serves. Group North asks the Naval Staff, Operations Division for
approval at its earliest convenience.
Group North has already returned the mines designed for use in the
mine-laying operations "Grundsee Ost und West", "Toledo", "Granada
grosse Ausfuehrung", "Granada", and "Grauer Ost" to the Mining and
Barrage Inspectorate, and reports that they are now available for
other purposes. (See Telegram 2329.)
A decision by the Naval Staff will follow.
Mine Operation "Seeigel XXII" in the area of the Commander, Mine
Sweepers, Baltic Sea has been executed according to plan. Operation
"Seehund I" was broken off on account of bad weather. Anti-submarine
patrol, mine-sweeping, and convoy operations are proceeding as
scheduled with no incidents to report.
A Finnish report states that it is assumed that a Russian motor tor-
pedo boat was destroyed in the mine field "Sauna I". On the after-
noon of 3 Aug., Russian vessels were observed sweeping mines in that
field.
In accordance with the request of the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic
Sea (see War Diary 2 Aug.), Group North has ordered cancellation of
compulsory escort between point Braun 60" and Memel a3 soon as the
31st Mine Sweeper Flotilla has taken up its positions. Ships are
again to be advised to proceed as close to the coast as possible.
V. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation ;
According to an intelligence report from Sweden, a large
convoy is being assembled in the U.S.A., primarily for the transport
of troops to Iceland and the northern part of the British Isles.
Weather permitting, the departure is scheduled to take place on 4 or
5 Aug.
At 2225, a plane reported flying over a submerging submarine south-
west of Reyk janes. At 1305 a message was intercepted reporting a
depth charge attack on a submarine some 160 miles northwest of Bilbao
in the Bay of Biscay. It is assumed that the submarine was hit. At
1755, a plane reported sighting a submarine some 200 miles south of
La Rochelle. In the South Atlantic, the British steamer TURKESTAN re-
ported having sighted a periscope 600 miles southwest of Freetown.
-26-
CONFIDENTIAL
3 Aug. 1942
The U.S. steamer HARRY LUCKENBACK reported sighting a periscope some
400 miles southeast of Monrovia. It is not likely that the sub-
marines were ours.
Submarine attacks were reported by the Norwegian steamer T0PDALSFJ0RD
(4,271 GRT) 130 miles east of Cape Race, and by the Norwegian steamer
BRIMANGER (4,883 GRT) 180 miles southeast of Cape Race. Soon there-
after, the report about the attack on the BRIMANGER was cancelled.
In addition, numerous submarine sighting signals v/ere intercepted
along the American East Coast. A radio report stated that so-called
Bangors, i.e. vessels specially equipped for anti-submarine defense,
are protecting the estuary of the St. Lawrence River.
In the West Indies, 2 messages were intercepted reporting submarine
attacks 360 miles east of Trinidad.
2. Own Situation :
In the course of her operation against the convoy in
quadrant BC, submarine U "552" sank another 7,000 GRT steamer. The
operation was then' broken off. Submarine U "607" sank an 8,000 GRT
steamer which had stopped in quadrant BC 5746. It may be that this ,
steamer is identical with one of the steamers reported torpedoed by
submarine U "552" on 2 Aug.
No successes have been reported from the American East Coast.
East of Trinidad, submarine U "108" sank a 10,000 GRT tanker.
No sinkings have been reported by submarines operating in the South
Atlantic and in the Mediterranean. ,
Further reports, particularly those about a directive of the Command-
ing Admiral, Submarines concerning the sending of direction-finder
signals by submarines and about captured American instructions for
sailing from Colon through the Windward Passage in northerly direc-
tion, are contained in the Supplement to Submarine Situation in War
Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
Special Items t
•
The directive of the Second Admiral, Submarines concerning assignment
of specialists of the II Branch (Laufbahn II) to shipyard work on
submarines sets forth the details of this assignment. For copy of the
corresponding telegram see 1/Skl 18970/42 Gkdos. in War Diary, Part
B, Vol. V.
VI. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity ;
During the day, fighter -bombers raided Middlesbrough,
Scarborough, Leeds, Bradford, and other localities. Results were
satisfactory. On the night of 3 Aug., 12 Ju 88 's were sent into
action against ships off the southern coast of England. Ten enemy
planes penetrated into the area of the Baltic Sea entrances in the
western part of the Baltic Sea, presumably for the purpose of laying
mines. No bombs were dropped and no planes were shot down.
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CONFIDENTIAL
3 Aug. 19
2. Mediterranean Theater ;
During the day, the following operations were executed: flank
protection for the Italian mine operations off Marsa Llatruh, spot-check
reconnaissance between Port Said and Haifa, and convoy protection by
strong forces. A fighter assault on Malta, with several bombers parti-*
cipating, lured out enemy fighters, three of which were shot down.
3. Eastern Front :
Nine planes were shot down on Army fronts. During attacks on
ships in the Gulf of Finland, 2 motor mine sweepers were probably sunk,
and a third damaged.
VII. V/arfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
On 2 Aug., the expected convoy arrived in Gibraltar. It camei
from the west, probably from England, and numbered 5 steamers.
Two more submarines have been located in Valletta.
Submarines were sighted off Sebenlco, Otranto, and Benghazi.
Ship traffic in the Eastern Mediterranean was light. Eight steamers were
observed in Beirut, and 1 submarine was sighted outside the harbor.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean :
On the night of 2 Aug., enemy planes launched another heavy
attack on Bardia. Twelve bombs were dropped on the city and harbor
area. Since this port lacks anti-aircraft artillery, its further use
can only be justified if it is provided with stronger anti-aircraft de-
fenses.
The Italians intend to have 2 destroyers lay the minefield off Marsa
Matruhon 4 Aug. in the morning."
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa :
In the afternoon, an enemy submarine sank the motor ship
MONVISO (5,500 GHT ) 16 miles off Benghazi. The steamer ANKARA left
Taranto for Tobruk. The motor ship BIXIO and the SESTRIERE departed
from Brindisi bound for Benghazi, escorted by 3 destroyers and 2 tor-
pedo boats. On the evening of 2 Aug., the steamer ALBACHAVIA arrived in
Tobruk.
Otherv/ise, ships are proceeding as scheduled. 2,251 tons were unloaded
in Tobruk on 1 Aug., 860 tons on 2 Aug.
-E8k-
CONFI DEI-IT I AL
3 Aug. 1942
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea :
No incidents have occurred at sea. The Staff Section of the
Naval Construction Division refused on 27 Jul. to send the 500 German
shipyard workers to the shipyard in Piraeus^, which had been promised
some time ago. Group South reports that the proposal of the Naval
High Command to resort to Russian workers from Nikolayev cannot be
taken into consideration since the number of available workers is in-
sufficient even to cover the needs of the Nikolayev shipyard. The
Group has ordered Admiral Massmann to report on the matter to the
Commander in Chief, Navy personally.
, At the conference on the situation on 28 Jul., the
Chief, Naval Construction Division, reported that in
Salami s the problem of manpower shortage could be
solved by extending armed forces rations to Greek
workers. The Commander in Chief, Navy has passed a
decision to this effect.
Black Sea :
Enemy Situation :
Long-range air reconnaissance reports that on the afternoon
of 2 Aug., a force of 1 cruiser, 1 destroyer, and 4 escort vessels,
proceeding at high speed on a westerly course, was observed 20 miles
west -northwest of Tuapse. According to continuous reports from
shadowing planes,' the force was steering a northwesterly to northerly
course, and at 1945 it was 50 miles south of Anapa. By evaluation of
photographs the larger vessels have been tentatively identified as a
heavy cruiser of the KIROV class and the flotilla leader KHARKOV.
From 2245 on, our torpedo planes followed the force whose position at
2551 was reported as 10 miles southwest of Cape Opuk on a 20° course.
After midnight, Italian submarine chasers attacked the force some 20
miles south of Feodosiya. According to further sighting reports, at
0455 the 2 vessels were located with 7 escort vessels on a 110° course
south-southwest of Anapa and at 0650 with 15 PT boats on a 150O course
southwest of Novorossisk. Since, in addition to the force which was
sighted, the Main Naval Direction Finding Station at Constanta located
the cruiser KRASNY KRIM in the same area at the same time, it is not
impossible that several groups participated in the thrust towards the
Crimean coast. Group South has requested the Air Commander, South to
check on this possibility.
Own Situation :
On 2 Aug. at 1800 the 5rd Motor Mine Sweeper Flotilla de-
parted from Ivanbaba with 8 landing barges, sailing close to the
coast in easterly direction. At 2500 the flotilla passed Cape Takil.
As planned, the 1st PT Boat Flotilla and a group of Italian sub-
chasers carried out protective measures south of the Kerch Strait,
and the 1st PT Boat Flotilla laid mines on the way and then took up
patrol positions.
On 3 Aug. at 0615 the Admiral, Black Sea reported to Group South that
6 landing barges broke through the Kerch Strait according to plan,
while 1 motor mine sweeper together with 2 landing barges, for
reasons unknown, turned back at Yenikale, heading for Kerch. One of
the landing barges was hit, but is still afloat. The Chief of Staff,
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CONFIDENTIAL
3 Aug. * 1342
Group South transmitted these facts to the Naval Staff by telephone
at 1200.
Of the three Italian submarine chasers protecting the break-through,
subchaser LIAS "573" stopped in her patrol >position 5 miles south of
Feodosiya as a result of engine failure. At 2400, she sighted an
enemy force of 1 three-funnel cruiser and 1 flotilla leader and
launched 2 torpedoes against the cruiser at a distance of barely
100 n. * One of the torpedoes hit the target. At 0130, the Italian
subchaser MAS "568", which had been notified in the meantime, at-
tacked the cruiser with 2 torpedoes, hitting her with both. The
Italians are certain that the burning ship sank. The 2 subchasers
were then pursued by the flotilla leader but reached the base un-
damaged. During the subsequent search on the morning of 3 Aug., sub-
chaser LIAS "569" found wreckage and equipment at the place where the
torpedo attack had occurred.
It is not yet quite clear what vessel was attacked
and probably sunk, since the force located on the
morning of 3 Aug. was located later in its original
strength. (See Enemy Situation. )
During the same night, around midnight, Ivanbaba was under continu-
ous air attack and a simultaneous attack from the sea. The attack
from the sea may be taken as another proof that other enemy naval
forces were operating off the Crimean coast.
Convoy operations are proceeding according to plan.
During July 1942, 49,500 tons of supplies were transported by sea
from Rumania to the Ukraine and 9,000 tons from the Ukraine to
Rumania. Since 20 Apr., a total of 130,000 tons of supplies were
brought into the Ukraine by sea.
Special Items :
(1) On 22 Jul., Group South suggested that a liaison officer to the
Admiral, Libya be appointed, in order to insure liaison between the
Group and the Admiral, Aegean Sea, on one hand, and the Admiral,
Libya on the other, in all matters concerning the transport of
supplies via the Aegean Sea. The German Naval Command, Italy has
expressed its opposition to this measure. Group South restated its
position in a communication to the Naval Staff Quartermaster Di-
vision, Plans and Schedules Branch on 3 Aug. The Naval Staff
Operations Division was notified accordingly via Telegram 1345.
(2) Group South has submitted to the Naval Construction Division,
Shipyard Branch a definite construction program, set up in coopera-
tion with the Nikolayev shipyard, "so that we can at last progress
beyond the planning stage". Speedy approval was requested. Naval
Staff Operations Division is notified/
The plan calls for construction of 3 submarine chasers, 3 war trans-
ports, and 2 tankers of the HERCULANULI type, for which materials are
available. In addition, slipways are available for 3 more subchasers
and 2 more war transports. There is also enough space for the
assembly of 6 landing barges. This requires 1200 to 1400 more
workers until April. (See Telegram 1935. )
(3) Results of an investigation by the Naval Staff Communications
and Intelligence Division of the possibilities of transporting
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CONFIDENTIAL
3 Aug. 1942
Italian subchasers from the Black Sea into the Caspian Sea overland
north of the Caucasus (see V/ar Diary 1C Jul.) did not produce satis-
factory results. For this reason, Group South has been instructed
to put local stations in charge of further investigations in this-
direction and to report their findings to the Naval Staff. The
latter will try to obtain further facts from the Army General Staff,
Intelligence Division, East.
VIII. Situation East Asia
Nothing to report.
IX. Army Situation
1. Russian Eront •
Army Group A :
Despite strong enemy resistance, our troops succeeded in
carrying their attack beyond the Bolshaya Ternovka river. After a
surprisingly rapid thrust, 3S troops established a bridgehead across
the Kuban. Using their last fuel reserves, detachments of the 3rd
Panzer Division seized- Voroshilovsk.
Army Group B :
4
The enemy facing our southern wing is falling back in
easterly direction. New fighting has broken out northwest of Kalach,
Enemy attacks south of Serafimovich and west of Kazanskaya were re-
pulsed. In the vicinity and north of Voronezh there were reconnais-
sance and artillery activity.
Central Army G r oup ;
East of Rzhev, enemy artillery is attacking continuously,
but so far without success. The fact that more enemy forces are
moving into position means continued attacks at this point. North
and northwest of Rzhev, heavy enemy attacks have until now likewise
failed to reach their objective. Attacks continue near Byeloio
Northern Army Group :
Enemy attacks on the Volkhov front south of Yamno, north-
east of Soltsy, and south of Leningrad were repulsed.
2. Finnish Front ;
Only local fighting is reported. Our assault troop opera-
tions in the Kandalaksha sector encountered a watchful enemy.
3. North Africa ;
Reconnaissance and artillery activity as usual. For dis-
tribution of enemy forces see daily situation report „
-31-
CONFIDENTIAL
4 Aug. 1942
Items of Political Importance
In connection with the question of, the Second Front in Europe , the
rumors about Churchill's flight to Moscow, spread by various foreign
sources, have not been confirmed. *
Other runors report of a meeting between Chiang Kai-3hek and Stalin
in Moscow, their trip to London, and even of their further trip to-
gether with Churchill to Washington.
Usually, such rumors arise when the enemy is at a
loss to know what to do.
Admiral Leahy and General Marshall are said to have declared them-
selves in favor of the Second Front. In Washington, the question
of who is going to be the Commander in Chief of the Allied Armed
Forces is still a prime concern. Among other possibilities, a joint
command by a group of British and American generals is mentioned.
U.S.A. :
The special military tribunal has sentenced to death the 8 German
agents who had been arrested.
According to an intelligence report from the U.S. Embassy in London,
leading Washington circles are viewing the future very optimistically
despite the heavy setbacks during the summer of 1942 which had been
expected. Germany is said to be now in the same situation as in
1917, and it will take at least another 18 months of concentrated air
attacks, along with land and sea operations, to defeat her. Some of
her allies, however, may be expected to become prematurely war-
weary and inclined to make separate peace.
It is expected that the U.S.A. will have at its disposal a well-
equipped army of 7,800,000 men by 1 Mar. 1943, U.S. planes will be
masters of the sky, and for every German tank there will be 6
American ones. New fronts will tie up German forces in many places
till the spring of 1943 will mark the beginning of the "real Ameri-
can war". Total victory is not expected before 1944. The most in-
teresting point in the plan to win total victory is the increase in
ship construction: in 1942, 10,000,000 tons will be built and in 1943
20,000,000 tons, including the concrete ships which will be con-
structed in 45 days on a mass production basis. Plane production
is said to have mounted from 2,400 in October 1941 to 4,600 in May
1942 and will reach 10,000 in December. The number of tanks which
were produced at a rate of 850 per month in 1941 has now risen to
5,000 per month.
Special Items :
I. The Naval Staff directs Group North, with copy to the Fleet, to
bring the LUETZ0W back to her home base, as planned. Repairs can
presumably start in the Navy shipyard of Wilhelmshaven on 1 Sep.
Repairs in Oslo are out of the question. If the LUETZ0.V cannot enter
the shipyard immediately after her return, she will be released for
training purposes, as suggested by the Fleet Command,
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$
CONFIDENTIAL
4 Aug. 1942
II. Upon request of the Fleet Command, Group North has authorized
the transfer of the KOELN, together with the STEIUBRINCK, to the
Arctic area, beginning 6 Aug. When carrying out the transfer, the
Fleet Command should see to it that a congestion of ships in Narvik
be avoided. If necessary, the KOELN and 2 or 3 destroyers should be
transferred to Harstad or to Tromsoe. Participation of the KOELN
in operation "Eispalast" has been approved.
III. On 1 Aug., the German Admiral at Tokyo reported that a Japanese
naval officer revealed the following:
1. The German Foreign Minister recently suggested to Oshima
that Japan launch an offensive against the sea provinces. The
Japanese Navy is opposed, especially in view of the fact that a
rapid and complete success is not at all certain at the present
moment, and American bombers can very well be transferred there in
great numbers. Japan will attack as soon as the time is ripe.
2. From 1944 on, the American war potential will make itself-
felt to an ever .greater extent in Japan. By that time Japan will
have to be prepared. For this reason, she must in the meantime
avoid any operations involving great risks. Presumably the attack
on Ceylon, which might cost Japan a major part of her naval planes,
will not take place.
3. An attack on Calcutta after the rain period is merely a
question of ship tonnage. The operation has not yet been decided
upon. The Army has been told that it would be desirable to make
such an attack.
4. If "Hitler first" is the enemy's goal, then the goal of
the Axis after Russia's collapse should be "Great Britain first".
Beginning around the middle of August, the Japanese Navy is going
to conduct an all-out submarine and cruiser war in the western
part of the Indian Ocean and around South Africa. The Navy feels
sure that it can sink as many as 400,000 tons a month. Such results
plus 500,000 tons a month expected to be sunk by the Germans, would
bring about Great Britain's collapse next spring, especially if
Suez falls and the British Navy is forced out of the Mediterranean
and the Red Sea.
•
5. "Great Britain first" is important also because then the
problems of China and India would be automatically solved and the
Australian question would likewise be much easier to settle.
6. Germany and Italy must be aware of the fact that, if such
an eventuality arises, the Japanese Armed Forces can by no means be
concerned with the conquest of the southern outlet of the Red Sea
or the Persian Gulf.
A copy of the report has been transmitted to the Naval Representative
at the Armed Forces High Command, Operations Staff.
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CONFIDENTIAL
4 Aug. 1942
Situation 4 Aug. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation ;
Indian Ocean :
According to an intelligence report, large numbers of
South African troops have been placed aboard the ships of the 2
convoys which are to leave Durban for Egypt on 4 Aug.
An SOS was intercepted from a British steamer about 540 miles north-
east of Mauritius. Another steamer reported from the area south-
west of Albany (Australia) that she was being fired upon. An anti-
submarine v/arning has been issued for that area.
2. Own Situatio n:
Directions concerning war decorations for prize crews are
being transmitted to the Attache in Tokyo via Telegram 1020.
A directive to furnish the TANNENFELS and the other blockade-runners
with the same reference points for their return voyage to Europe
as for their voyage to Japan is being transmitted to the Naval
Attache in Tokyo via Telegram 2100.
Information about the arrival of the D0GGERBANK in Batavia on 1 Aug.,
as well as about the position according to international lav; of the
South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, the Sandwich Islands,
and Graham Land is sent to all vessels in foreign waters via Radio-
gram 1700.
Information about the enemy situation via Radiograms 0538 and 1947.
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation :
Nothing noteworthy has been reported.
2. Own Situation :
Atlantic Coast :
Mine -detonating vessels have swept 3 ground mines off
Lorient. A mine-sweeping plane removed 1 ground mine off La Pallice.
A French fishing boat struck upon a ground mine east of lie
d'Oleron and sank. In spite of a British warning, French fishermen
kept fishing in the entire unrestricted area in the Bay of Biscay.
Channel Coast ;
At 0205, Army batteries near Le Touquet fired at ships
located at sea, presumably PT boats.
A subsequent report about the engagement of the 8th Mine Sweeper
Flotilla off Cherbourg on the night of 1 Aug. states that a direct
-34-
CONFIDENTIAL
4 Aug. 1942
hit by a 10.5 cm gun resulted in the probable sinking oT 1 motor
gunboat, while 2 boats were set aflame and hits were observed on some
other boats.
During the evening hours, numerous balloons coming from the sea
drifted over the Calais-Dunkirk area.. Incendiary canisters were
attached to the balloons.
During
the nirht of 3 Auc 1 ;., a total of 1C PT borits were enf'ajTed in a
torpedo attack against a convoy. Two steamers o
sunk, 1 steamer of 2,000 CrRT was probably sunk.
enemy destroyers was very lively and resulted in a number oT torpc
f 1,500 G?T each were
Defense action by
misses which were due to the
Our forces suffered no losse;
skillful maneuver in;;
For brief reports
of the enemy vessels,
from the 4th PT Boat
Flotilla and the Commander of PT boats see Telegrams 1040, 2205, and
1120.
III. North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea ;
Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance found little convoy activity alonr; the
southeast coast.
Own Situation ; «
Mine-detonating vessels swept 5 mines along the convoy route
north of Egmond-aan-Zee, Vlieland, and Terschelling.
In July, a total of 131 ground mines were swept in the area of the
Commanding Admiral, Defenses, North. 33 air raids and 3 PT boat at-
tacks were made against the naval forces of the Commanding Admiral,
Defenses', North, which in turn, shot down 8 attacking planes and sank
4 attacking PT boats. One mine-detonating vessel, 2 steamers, and 2
small vessels were lost through enemy mines.
The Naval Attache in Copenhagen reports that- after a short interrup-
tion (see V.'ar Diary 31 Jul.) Danish fishing vessels have resumed
fishing in the North Sea in full force.
Convoys are proceeding according to plan. Unfavorable weather
curbed mine-sweeping operations.
2. Norway, Arctic Ocean ;
Enemy Situation :
On the afternoon of 3 Aug., and on ' the morning of 4 Aug.,
planes were active over the northern and western coasts of Norway. On
2 Aug., a surfaced submarine was sighted 8 miles west of Obrestad.
According to air reconnaissance reports, no ships are left in PIval
Fjord and in the roadstead of Reykjavik. It has not been determined
what has become of the ships reported assembled in Hval Fjord on 1 Aug.
It is probable that convoy PQ 18 has gotten under way.
-s?>-5-
CONFIDENTIAL '
4 Aug. 1942
Own Situation :
No incidents have been reported from the area of the Command-*
ing Admiral, Norway.
On 3 Aug., the Air Commander, North ('..'est) informed the Commanding
Admiral, Norway that the present fuel^situation requires a considerable
reduction in hitherto regular reconnaissance operations, especially in
the area between Norway and the coast of Scotland, the Orkney, Shetland,
and Paeroe Islands, and in- the central area of the North Sea. Daily
reconnaissance will not be carried out, except if there are special in-
dications of the presence of enemy ships. To this the Commanding Ad-
miral, Norway properly remarks that only air reconnaissance can pro-
vide indications of enemy ship movements. He points to the growing
danger of being taken unawares during the period of long nights, if air
reconnaissance, especially the evening reconnaissance over the northern
part of the North Sea, is no longer carried out. Group North points
out that inadequate fuel allotments for the 5th Air Force also have a
bad effect on other operations.
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situatio'n ;
Radio intelligence located 10 submarines. In the entrance to
the Kronstadt Bay, intensified ship traffic was observed from the
coast.
2. Own Situation ;
Convoy and patrol operations in the area of the Commanding
Admiral, Defenses, Baltic Sea are proceeding according to plan. No in-
cidents have been reported.
Five ground mines were swept in the Mecklenburg Bay, one was swept in
the Kiel Bay.
Mine operations "Seehund 4" and "Seehund 5" in the area of the Commander,
Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea were executed during the night of 3 Aug. Anti- ^
submarine patrol, convoy, and general patrol operations are proceeding
without incidents.
The Naval Staff has notified Group North, with copies to the Commander,
Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea and to the Naval Liaison Staff, Finland, that
the Marshal of Finland declared the transfer of German and Italian
vessels from Lake Ladoga to the Gulf of Finland undesirable at the
present moment. For the time being, therefore, no transfer should be
ordered. When the time has come, a new request is to be submitted, pro-
vided the situation on Lake Ladoga remains unchanged.
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CONFIDENTIAL
4 Aug. 1942
V. Merchant Shipping
Brief Report No. 23/42 of the Naval Intelligence Division,
Foreign Merchant Marine Branch deals with the amount of the whale
oil obtained by Britain in 1941-1942; Spanish security measures in
the port of Huelva; new regulations for the issuance of navicerts;
increase in Turkey's ship tonnage by construction of 40 large
auxiliary sailing vessels; reorganization of U.S. sea transport;
transfer of Venezuelan tankers to U.S. ownership, etc.
VI. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation :
Lively reconnaissance activity of the 15th Air Group and
planes from Iceland. In the morning and in the afternoon submarines
were sighted in the area southwest of Reyk janes. Other submarines
were reported sighted west of the Faeroe Islands. Decoding of a
radio message shows belatedly that the auxiliary aircraft carrier
ARCHER was ready for operations in Bermuda on 12 Jul. and was
probably bound for the northeastern coast of the U.S. Radio intell-
igence intercepted a number of submarine sighting reports from that
vicinity, as well as from the West Indies.
2. Own Situation :
Six submarines are outward bound from home bases .and
western France.
No reports have been received from submarines in the Arctic Ocean.
In the North Atlantic, submarine U "704" made contact with a south-
westbound convoy in quadrant BC 2998 under very poor attack condi-
tions. Since visibility did not improve, group "Steinbrick" was
ordered to stop operations against this convoy. Two of the sub-
marines departing from home bases are to proceed to the eastern
coast of Newfoundland.
En route from Germany to her operational area, and at the same time
on the first voyage of her captain, submarine U "176" sank in
quadrant BD 1387 the unescorted steamer RICHMOND CASTLE (7,798 GRT)
which was proceeding at high speed in the direction of England.
In the West Indies, submarine U "160" sank the tanker HAVSTEN
(6,161 GRT) in quadrant EE 8915 and took aboard the captain and the
radio operator. Submarine U "166" sank the. steamer EMPIRE ARNOLD
(7,049 GRT) in quadrant- EF 77. The steamer belonged to a dispersed
convoy and was carrying tanks and planes for Alexandria. The
captain was taken aboard.
The submarines operating in the South Atlantic and in the Mediterran-
ean did not report any successes.
For further reports, particularly concerning the refueling of sub-
marines in the western Atlantic, see Supplement to Submarine Situa-
tion in War Diary, Part 3, Vol. IV.
-37-
CONFIDENTIAL
4 Aug. 1942
Special Items:
(1) In accordance with his report to the Chief, Naval Staff (see
War Diary 3 Aug.), the Chief, Communications Division, Naval Staff
has issued a directive to the Commanding Admiral, Submarines and
Group West (copies' to the Second Admiral, Submarines and to the
Communications Equipment Experimental Command), concerning the in-
stallation of radar eqxiipment with emergency antennas on those sub-
marines in the shipyards of western Prance and at home which become
ready for operations during the month of August. Regular antennas
will be installed on submarines which become ready in September.
Jamming transmitters on board submarines are both unsuitable and
dangerous. They prevent only range-finding but not direction-find-
ing by planes. On the other hand, the use of planes of the 3rd Air
Force equipped with jamming transmitters over the approach routes is
considered very valuable. Group West is requested to take further
action. It is planned to set up a jamming station on the lie de
Groix, but it will be effective only as far as 40 miles from the
shore. The Communications Equipment Experimental Command is prepar-
ing a stronger jamming transmitter v/hose range, however, will still
be limited. Even a large number of jamming transmitters cannot re-
place fighter planes. '
(2) The report of the Naval Staff, Submarine Division with regard
to increasing the number of submarines in the operations zones
(see War Diary 28 Feb.) has brought about a statement by the Naval
Construction Division which partly contradicts the opinion of the
Submarine Division and also contains an answer to its query con-
cerning the number of workers needed for each submarine repair. For
copy see l/skl 18922/42 Gkdos. in War Diary, Part C, Vol. IV.
VII. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity :
6 steamers totalling 20,000 GRT were reported damaged in
an attack on a convoy on the evening of 3 Aug. off Start Point. The
number and type of ships could not be established due to heavy haze.
A large patrol vessel was damaged near Beachy Head during a fighter-
bomber raid on the afternoon of 4 Aug. Brighton was raided, with
well-placed hits in residential quarters. During the night of 4 Aug.
26 German planes raided Swansea. 30 enemy planes flew over the Reich
in the Dortmund-Krefeld area. 80 to 90 planes were reported over the
occupied territories.
2. Mediterranean Theater :
Nothing particular has been reported.
3. Eastern Front ;
Air reconnaissance was active over the Caspian Sea. Other-
wise there was nothing to report.
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CONFIDENTIAL
4 Aug. 1942
VIII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
On 3 Aug., the CHARYBDIS and a cruiser of the CAIRO-class
left dock in Gibraltar. On 4 Aug., the CAIRO-class cruiser was at
sea during the day east of Gibraltar, evidently for tests.
No other reports of interest have been received.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean :
The Italian destroyers broke off their mine operations
off Marsa Matruh because of bad weather. The destroyers have sailed
to Leros. A new date for the operation has not yet been set.
Since it must be presumed that there are no German magnetic mines
left in Tobruk and Marsa Matruh, and in view of the fact that so far
and probably also in the near future no mine-sweeping vessels are
available, the German Naval Command, Italy requests that 2 mine-
sweeping planes be made immediately available for Tobruk and 2 for
Marsa Matruh.
Seeing that the number of existing mine-sweeping
planes is very limited, there is not much chance that
the request will be complied v/ith.
Unsuccessful enemy submarine attacks against the steamers PETSAMO
and PLUTO occurred on 3 Aug.
During a night raid on Tobruk on 3 Aug., a landing barge loaded with
ammunition was sunk. The ANKARA, BIXIO, and SESTRIERE convoy was
attacked 110 miles north-northwest of Derna by enemy planes which
shadov/ed the convoy until midnight. So far, no damage has been re-
ported.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa :
On 3 Aug., a transport submarine from Italy arrived, in
Tobruk. 4 German and 7 Italian landing barges, together with the
tanker SCILLIN, set out on their voyage from Suda to Tobruk.
Otherwise, the transport of supplies is proceeding as scheduled.
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea :
Due to interrupted communications no situation report has
been received.
Black Sea :
Enemy Situation :
No noteworthy reports have been received.
Own Situation :
According to the final report from the Admiral, Black Sea
4 landing barges reached the Kasantip Bay, after breaking through
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CONFIDENTIAL
4 Aug. 1942
the Strait of Kerch. In addition to the 2 landing barges which
turned about when approaching Yenikale, in order to put into Kerch,
2 vessels' had already turned back at Cape Takil because of engine
failure-. The hit reported on one of the landing barges entering
Kerch was caused by a mine. The landing barges in Kerch which were
ready to sail were supposed to get through to the Sea of Azov on the
evening of 3 Aug. So far, no report about the execution of this
plan has been received. Whether any further landing barges will be
brought out of the Black Sea will depend on the decision of Army
Group A concerning the execution of operation "Bluecher".
On 2 Aug., a big fire broke out in Sevastopol. Enemy air raids
staged simultaneously on Feodosiya, Ivanbaba, and Genichesk on 2 Aug,
caused damage to buildings and property. Convoy operations are pro-
ceeding according to plan. The steamer ARDEAL, which had been
beached after being torpedoed off Odessa on 12 Jun., has been towed
into port.
Special Items :
(1) Group South has submitted the first detailed plan and the
reasons for its preliminary demands for operations in the Caspian
Sea. For the Naval Staff's reply to Group South and its correspond-
ing directive to the Quartermaster Division see 1/Skl I op 18776/42
Gkdos. In War Diary, Part C, Vol. XlVa.
(2) Group South has notified the stations under its command of its
preliminary plans for the transport traffic in the Black Sea during
the ice period. For copy see 1/Skl 19067/42 Gkdos. in War Diary,
Part C, Vol. XlVa.
IX. Situation East Asia
Nothing to report.
X. Army Situation ;
1. Russian Front ;
Army Group A ;
Lively air activity is reported from the Kerch area.
South of Kushchevka the enemy is falling back before the entire front
in a southerly direction. In the pursuit our troops took Veselaya
and Nyezamayevskaya. SS troops occupied Kropotkin. A Slovenian
motorized division has taken over flank protection to the north and
northwest. The bridgehead north of Armavir has been further re-
inforced. Nikolayevsk has been taken.
Army Group B ;
In the area Orlovka-Remontnaya our troops penetrated as far
as the railroad. Krugliakov and Aksai have been captured. Enemy
pressure in the Kalach area has eased. A tank attack southeast of
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CONFIDENTIAL
4 Aug. 1942
Ketskaya was repulsed. Assault troops and artillery are active on
both sides In the area north and northwest of Voronezh.
Central Army Group :
East of Rzhev, strong enemy infantry and tank forces have
launched an attack on a wide front south of the Volga River, break-
ing through our main line of resistance on a front about 15 km wide.
It is to be expected that the enemy will bring up further heavy
forces into the breach. Tank reinforcements from the area around
Vyazma are being rushed to the 9th Army. After very heavy artillery
preparation, superior Russian forces have launched another attack
north of Rzhev, directing their main thrust against Belkovo. Here-
our troops succeeded in holding the main line of resistance^ It is
to be expected that here, too, the enemy will launch further heavy
attacks.
Northern Army Group : ' •
Local fighting is reported.
2. Finnish Front :
No noteworthy fighting is reported,,
3. North Africa ?
Enemy reconnaissance activity as usual. The enemy has
intensified' his air and ground reconnaissance. Our positions were
attacked from the air on several occasions. '
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CONFIDENTIAL
5 Aug.
Items of Political ii,.jji'tance
In connection with a Second Front In Europe , the United Press reports
about a mass-meeting in Montreal calling for troop mobilization in
Canada in order to bring about a Second Front.
In a special article, the London Observer stresses the need for im-
mediate action. It contends that the Russian ally is in mortal danger
and has been v/aiting 13 months for the promised aid. It is "now or
never". Once the Russian armies withdraw behind the Volga or as far as
the Ural mountains, Moscow will have ceased to play a part in the war.
In the secret session of the House of Commons on 4 Aug., Attlee de-
livered a statement. The fact that Churchill himself did not speak
corroborates the rumor that he is in Moscow, where, incidentally
Bullitt, too, is said to have arrived as a special emissary of Roose-
velt. If, in addition, it is kept in mind that Churchill is in the
habit of throwing the weight of his personality into the scale when-
ever a critical situation calls for extraordinary decisions, then his
Moscow trip becomes more and more credible.
Great Britain:
__________ _____ ,
In the House of Lords, the Government explained that the radio address
of the British Air Marshal to the German people was in line with the
Government's policy proclaimed by Churchill some time ago.
India :
In view of the impending Congress Party resolution which both Britain
and America are awaiting with understandable anxiety, the publication
by the British Indian Government of the confiscated draft of the
resolution has undoubtedly been an effective propaganda move to in-
fluence public opinion agains.t Gandhi, especially in America, but even
in India. In contrast to the later version which was toned down, the
draft in question contains the wish for negotiations with Japan. In
any case, the Indian Congress leaders Gandhi, Nehru, and Azad con-
sidered it necessary to issue statements intended to mitigate the un-
favorable impression created by the publication of the draft. Thus,
while Congress was just about to pass the resolution, they were man-
euvered into a defensive position. It remains to be seen how success-
ful this step on the part of the Government will prove with Congress
circles. In any case, the strong sympathies which Gandhi used to en-
joy in America have been considerably weakened. Incidentally, the
confiscated documents furnish also the apparent legal basis for pro-
secution of Gandhi as a person guilty of high treason.
The British Government appears in any event to be determined to counter-
act by all means any movement that may break out in India, while con-
tinuing to count heavily on lack of unity among the natives themselves.
In view of this state of affairs, the German press has undoubtedly
been justified in showing, as directed, extreme reserve in discussing
the Indian problem, since it no longer appears certain whether Gandhi's
draft for India's freedom will be accepted at all.
U.S.A. :
The Government is planning very energetic measures to step up war
production. "Total mobilization of the nation" is to be achieved by
the following measures:
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CONFIDENTIAL
5 Aug, 1942
1. Universal mobilization of a-11 workers, assigning the best
skilled workers to war production', and if necessary, mobilization of
all able-bodied women.
2. Strict control over production and the use of raw materials.
3. Strict control over private industry; if necessary, shutting
down poorly managed or otherwise unprofitable plants.
In view of the Congressional elections in fall 1942, Willkie, speak-
ing to both Democrats and Republicans, has asked for a cessation of
party disputes in all matters concerning war during the campaign.
Special Items :
I. The Commander in Chief, Navy has commended the captain and the
crew of destroyer Z "37'* for their extensive and successful coopera-
tion in completing the vessel which made it possible to commission
her on schedule. The Commander in Chief, Navy told the Fleet, the
Groups, and the commanding admirals that, in view of the prevailing
manpower shortage, he expects the example set by destroyer Z "37" to
be widely followed.
II. The Naval Representative on the Armed Forces High Command,
Operations Staff has transmitted a memorandum of the Army Representa-
tive on the Armed Forces High Command, Operations Staff concerning
Central Africa as an Anglo-American supply and operations base. Ap-
parently, the memorandum is based in part on views of the Foreign
Office which are well known to the Naval Staff.
The Chief, Operations Staff, Armed Forces High Command, General Jodl,
has pointed out that the evaluation of the situation shows the need
for more submarines to operate against the route U.S. A. -Central
Africa. The Naval Staff Operations Division will, in turn, submit a .
brief evaluation of the situation to the Armed Forces High Command,
Operations Staff.
For copy of the report see l/Skl 19186/42 Gkdos. in War Diary, Part
C, Vol. I.
III. Concerning the French forces in Alexandria, the German Armistice
Commission, France, acting upon a directive of the Armed Forces High
Command, Operations Staff of 19 Jul. (see War Diary 19 Jul.), reports
that it has transmitted to the French the following communication:
"The German Armistice Commission, in agreement with the Italian
Armistice Commission, makes known that the French naval forces, upon
leaving port, should try to reach Bizerte as the nearest French
harbor. Should the French forces in Alexandria, for some reason or
other, . be unable to reach Bizerte, they will be assured of adequate
shelter and supplies in the sea area of southern Greece or the Aegean
Sea. If such a case arises, they will be notified in due time of the
names of the harbors which they are to enter, as well as of the
courses on which they are to approach those harbors."
IV. The Foreign Navies Branch Naval Intelligence Division reports
about docking facilities for British warships overseas in New Analysis
"Foreign Navies", No. 37/42.
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CONFIDENTIAL
5 Aug. 1942
V. A routine report on convoy and transport operations completed in
the area of Group North between 1 Jul. and 31 Jul. 1942 (see l/Skl
19148/42 Gkdos. in War Diary, Part B, Vol. V) shows a total of
1,658 merchant ships (4,507,000 GRT ) convoyed and 133,895 soldiers,
2,624 vehicles, and 504,059 tons of Armed Forces cargo transported.
Only 14 of our vessels were total losses as a result of enemy action
including mines.
— ■ .«
Situation 5 Aun;. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
Indian Ocean :
On 1 Aug., Japanese reconnaissance planes sighted 1 battle-
ship of the WARSPITE class, 2 aircraft carriers, and 9 small cruisers
or destroyers 60 miles northeast of Ceylon. Two cruisers were ob-
served elsewhere.
The Consulate in Lourenco Marques reports that, since Durban has
primarily become a navy base, Lourenco Marques is being used to a
greater extent as a supply base for enemy ships, including those
carrying materiel.
2. Own Situation:
waters.
No reports have been received from our vessels in foreign
Ship "10" is Informed of the latest positions of the ships she will
use for cover names by Radiogram 2223.
All vessels in foreign waters were informed about the British hospital
ship OPHIR via Radiogram 1153.
A report on the enemy situation was issued via Radiograms 0018, Q636,
and 1845.
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation :
There is no doubt that recently the enemy has been concen-
trating his ground mine-laying operations on the area off the coast
of western France. Only Brest continues to be spared. Few ground
mines were laid in the Channel area. The Baie de la Seine remained
free of mines.
Despite favorable weather conditions, air reconnaissance failed to
yield any results.
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CONFIDENTIAL
5 Aug. 1942
2. Own Situation :
Atlantic Coast :
On the night of 4 Aug., energy planes were active in the
area over Brest, Lorient, St. ITazaire, and La Pallice. No bombs were
dropped. Mine operations are probable. Naval anti-aircraft guns
shot down 1 plane in the vicinity of St. Nazaire. The rivers Loire
and Gironde are temporarily closed to traffic because of mine danger.
At 1330 the Japanese submarine I "30" entered Lorient after having
been met the day before, as planned, by patrol forces of the Command-
ing Admiral, Defenses, West and cf the Air Commander, Atlantic Coast.
The mine-detonating vessel "136" succeeded in sweeping 4 mines in the
St. Nazaire area. Due to heavy damage, the vessel is out of commis-
sion.
Channel Coast :
The SCIIWABENLAND has transferred from Le Havre to Boulogne
without incidents.
The battery "Creche I" fired at vessels which had been located south-
west of Boulogne, presumably PT boats. Effects were not observed.
III. North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea :
Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
Own Situation :
During the night of 4 Aug., enemy planes repeatedly at-
tacked the convoy of the patrol vessel "2011" in quadrant AN 8316
without success. During the same night, enemy planes were also
active over the area Terschelling-Schiermonnikoog and farther to the
east up to Heligoland and Scharhoern. The planes probably dropped
aerial mines.
The Swedish steamer DIANA from the Elbe -Ems convoy was damaged by a
ground mine and towed away. Mine-detonating vessels swept 1 ground
mine off Terschelling and another one south of Heligoland. Due to
bad "..leather, operations by mine sweeper flotillas were either broken
off or not started.
Around midnight on 5 Aug., enemy planes unsuccessfully bombed our
convoy northwest of Terschelling.
2. Norway, Arctic Ocean :
Enemy Situation :
Radio intelligence reports that since 1 Aug. the battleship
NELSON has been observed in the cHoee vicinity of Scapa. Air re-
connaissance found lively patrol activity in the eastern part of the
Arctic Ocean.
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CONFIDENTIAL
5 Aug. 1942
Own Situation ;
On orders of the Admiral, Arctic Ocean, the PT boat group
at Narvik was dissolved on 4 Aug. The 3 boats have been reassigned
to the 6th PT Boat Flotilla and are transferring on 5 Aug. to Harstad
in order to join the flotilla for their return home. On 4 Aug.,
enemy planes were reported active over Stavanger and the Bergen area.
No incidents occurred during convoy operations.
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
2. Own Situation :
Submarine U "119'* has transferred to Frederikshavn in order
to carry out mine operation "Duesseldorf" .
The courier plane from Oslo to Copenhagen sent a most unlikely re-
port of sighting and chasing, a submarine north of Skagen. Otherwise,
no incidents were reported.
Ih the eastern part of the Baltic, an enemy submarine sank the
Finnish steamer P0HJA1ILAIITI (681 GRT) near Backofen (south of V/lndau).
Unfavorable weather conditions badly hampered operations of the
Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea in the Gulf of Finland. Mine
operation "Seehund I" had to be broken off. Convoy operations pro-
ceeded as scheduled without any incidents.
V. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation :
Radio intelligence believes that on 4 Aug. an engagement
with the enemy took place in the Freetown area. One vessel sent 2
tactical radio messages to Freetown, the first of which was repeated
to 5 ships, presumably escort vessels.
A submarine attack report was intercepted 400 miles northeast of New-
foundland. Submarine sighting reports were sent from locations 40
miles southeast of Cape Breton and 85 miles south of Halifax. Further
submarine sighting reports were intercepted from the waters around the
West Indies. \
2. Own Situation :
Some 400 miles northeast of Newfoundland, submarine U "593"
intercepted an eastbound convoy of about 23 steamers escorted by
corvettes and destroyers. Further submarines have been sent into
action. Contact was maintained throughout the day. So far, sub-
marine U "593" has reported sinking one 5,000 GRT steamer from that
convoy.
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CONFIDENTIAL
5 Aug. 1942
Submarine U "254" reported sinking a 4,500 GRT steamer on a 130°
course about 150 miles southeast of Reykjanes,
In accordance with size regulations, submarine U "510" sank a 5,300
GRT Uriaguayan steamer proceeding from Montevideo to New York with a
cargo of corned beef. The captain was taken aboard.
The Commanding Admiral, Submarines pointed out
correctly that even if the sinking is In accordance
with prize regulations, captains of neutral ships
must not be taken aboard. ,
Of the submarines operating in the South Atlantic, U "213" is
assumed to be lost. No successes have been reported either by these
boats or by those in the Mediterranean.
VI. Aerial Warfare •
1. British Isles and Vicinity :
During the day, armed reconnaissance was carried out and
fighter-bombers raided a town on the coast. On the night of 4 Aug.,
Swansea, Portland, Bristol, and Weston were raided as alternate
targets. Hits were well placed. On the night of 5 Aug., our planes
raided targets in England marked for demolition.
42 enemy planes flew over the Reich area, 103 over the western
occupied areas. The attacks were not concentrated on any one local-
ity. The planes penetrated as deep as Heligoland, Bingen, and
Giessen. The Kloeckner Works in Troisdorf were badly damaged.
2. Mediterranean Theater ;
Small forces carried out nuisance raids on Malta.
The forces of the Air Commander, Africa flew fighter and reconnais-
sance missions and attacked motor vehicle concentrations. A raid on
Suez, set for the night of 4 Aug., could be made by 3 planes only,
since enemy planes attacked our airfields during the take-off. 200
cubic meters of Navy fuel burned up as a result of enemy air raids
on Tobruk. Heavy and acciirate anti-aircraft gunfire was observed at
Suez. Numerous enemy fighters covered Cairo and the Suez Canal at
10,000 m altitude.
Increasing attacks by enemy fighter and bomber formations on the
Africa Corps, as well as the complete inactivity of the strong
fighter forces on Malta, lead to the conclusion that a new supply
operation for Malta is either due or under way.
For air reconnaissance results in the eastern Mediterranean see Enemy
Situation, Mediterranean.
3. Eastern Front :
Strong support of the attacking armies and operations in the
northern part of the front at the point of enemy penetration are re-
ported.
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CONFIDENTIAL
5 Aug. 1942
An eneny mine sweeper operating off Lavansaari was apparently
damaged.
For a report on our air reconnaissance activity over the Caspian Sea
see Enemy Situation, Black Sea.
♦
4. Special Item ;
- ' .#
According to a report of the Naval Representative on the
Air Force Operations Staff, 23,424 men and 1,238 tons of supplies
were transported to North Africa by air during the period from 17 to
31 Jul. An impressive achievement!
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Se a
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
The EAGLE, the CHARYBDIS, and 4 destroyers have left
Gibraltar, Their course is not known.
Submarines were located off Cape Dukato, southwest of Spalato, and
north of Sidi Barrani.
In the evening, radio intelligence located the hospital ship
SOMMERSET SHIRE on a westerly course northeast of Port Said. Air
reconnaissance reported that in the morning 3 destroyers and 2
steamers were proceeding east of Port Said on a southerly course,
while 3 other naval vessels were northeastbound. Aerial photographs
show the following ships:
In Alexandria : 3 tankers, 10 steamers;
In Port Said : 1 warship dummy, 1 cruiser, 4 destroyers,
4 submarines, 25 steamers, 1 tanker;
In Suez : 1 cruiser, 4 destroyers,* 1 torpedo boat,
33 steamers, 8 tankers, and other vessels
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean :
At 0650, motor mine sweeper R "12" was attacked by 6 enemy
planes and suffered casualties. Fighter protection was missing. An
Italian report states that 240 survivors were rescued from the motor
ship M0NVTS0. 6 men are missing.
For the brief report of motor mine sweeper R "11" about an enemy air
raid on Bardla during the night of 1 Aug., see Telegram 1945.
The German Naval Command, Italy reports that the Italian mine opera-
tion off Marsa Matruh will be resumed at 0700 on 7 Aug.
Mining of French territorial waters off Cape Bon
In the meantime, the Fuehrer has ordered the German forces to direct
their efforts toward an effective mining of the entire Strait of
Sicily. To this end, it is desirable to reinforce the mine fields
laid so far, and to lay mines off Cape Bon as soon as possible. Dis-
cussions with the Foreign Office, aimed at clarifying the question of
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CONFIDENTIAL
5 Aug. 1942
whether the French or the Italians are to lay a permanent barrage,
are still in progress. It will be necessary to wait for the results
of these discussions. Pending clarification, the Naval Staff con-
siders it advisable that Italy make all necessary preparations so
that, in case of danger, a mine field can be quickly laid without,
first asking the French.
The Naval Staff has informed the German Naval Command, Italy accord-
ingly, making reference to the Command's last report in this matter
(see War Diary 22 Jul.). At the same time, the Naval Staff directed
the Command to answer the Italian objection by stating that this
measure does not require immobilizing the Italian vessels "for an
indefinite period", since it is meant only as a temporary expedient
until either the French or the Italians take over the mine-laying
operations.
According to a communication of 4 Aug. from the Naval Representative
on the Armed Forces High Command Operations Staff, the Armed Forces
High Command intends to order the German General at Italian Head-
quarters to present to- the Italian High Command, together with the
German Naval Command, Italy, the request for reinforcing the mine
fields in the entire Strait of Sicily, and to emphasize its particular
importance to the German Armed Forces. This does not affect the
question of mining the French territorial waters. The Naval Staff has
given its consent as requested.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa ;
Transport, of supplies from Italy to North Africa, from
Greece to North Africa, and along the North African coast is pro-
ceeding according to plan.
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea :
Destroyer ZG "3" ha 3 brought the damaged submarine U "9 7"
into the port of Salamis. :
Black Sea :
Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance reported that a convoy composed of 2
tankers, 1 steamer, and 7 escort vessels has departed from Tuapse in
southeasterly direction. On 4 Aug., ships were observed gathering in
the Tamanskaya Bay, presumably for the purpose of breaking through
southward during the night .
Air reconnaissance located 5 submarines, 7 patrol vessels, as well as
numerous lighters, freight barges, paddle steamers, and motor tugs
in Astrakhan . One submarine, 2 tankers, 2 large lighters, and 6
small steamers were riding at anchor in Makhach Kala ,
Own Situation ;
On 4 Aug., an Italian subchaser unsuccessfully attacked a
submarine south of Feodosiya, while a landing barge failed in an
attack against another submarine south of Odessa. Likewise on 4 Aug.
the tanker MONTAN 24 sank as a result of a mine hit west of Ochakov.
On the night of 3 Aug.,, motor mine sweeper R "163" and 1 landing .
-49-
CONFIDENTIAL
5 Avis. 1942
barge broke through from Kerch in a northerly direction as planned.
On the same night, 10 enemy planes, attacking in v/aves, bombed
Kazantip bay and village. The attack was evidently aimed at the
landing' barges and motor mine sweepers which had broken through the
Strait of Kerch but were already on their way to Genichesk at the
time of the air raid.
On the same night, a heavy air raid was carried out by the enemy on
Marirupdl which was simultaneously under gunfire from 3 or 4 vessels.
Large fires were caused. On 5 Aug., 3 landing barges transferred
from Genichesk to Mariupol.
Army Group A reports that the main effort is again concentrated on
operation "Bluecher". 3 landing barges are considered sufficient
for the transport of supplies from Mariupol to the Don. Preparation;
for operation "Bluecher" will be completed by the Army and the Navy
by 10 Aug. Convoy operations in the Black Sea are proceeding ac-
cording to plan.
The Kavy Liaison Officer at the Army General Staff reports that the
Quartermaster, Rumania has been directed to prepare the vessels for
transport operations between the Crimea and ITovorossisk so that the
landing barges can be released for other missions. For details see
Telegram 1345.
5. Situation France :
According to a report of the German Armistice Commission,
France, the French have called attention to the fact that torpedo
boat FOUG'JEUX was able to free the captured steamer MITIDJA only be-
cause the crew sent a radio message instead of scuttling the steamer
with undue haste. In view of this favorable experience, the French
are requesting for their steamers permission to issue submarine
sighting reports. For further action on this request see War Diary,
Part C, Vol. VIII.
ViII. Situation East Asia
Ilothing to report.
IX. Army Situation
1 . Russian Front :
Army Group A ;
In the Kuban area, our infantry divisions advancing in pur-
suit of the enemy have reached the line Kanyevskaya-Tikhoryetsk. The
enemy is holding the southern shore of the Kuban River near Kropotkin,
The bridgehead north of Armavir was widened and reinforced with heavy
weapons. The bridge over the Kuban has been completed. Our troops
occupied the railway junction ITyevinnomysk south of Voroshilovsk. The
railway bridge was captured undamaged. It seems that the destruction
caused by the fleeing enemy is not as thorough as before.
-50-
5 Aug. 1042
Amy Group D ;
South of Rercontnaya, our divisions have launched an attach
against unweakoned enemy forces. The notorized and Panzer divisions
which had thrust northeast of Ilotelnikov took Plotovitoye against
strong enemy resistance. Northwest of Kalach, our troops repulsed
heavy attacks. The enemy, supported by tanks, is attacking southeast
of hletskaya. Southeast of Kazanskaya, detachments of enemy forces
have succeeded in crossing the Don in westerly direction. Counter-
attacks are under way. Enemy attacks west of Livny have been repulsed,
Central Army Gr oup :
The enemy succeeded in widening the point of penetration
southeast of Rzl-icv and in advancing as far as the ro. r -d from Dukontov to
Cubtsov. Enemy attacks east and north of Rzhev were repulsed.
Ilortho rn Army Group :
Southeast of Stnraya Hussa our troop. are attacking in order
to annihilate enemy forces which had infiltrated the area east of
Gramuchcvo. South of Leningrad, our artillery is in action against
enemy troop movements.
2 . F innish Front :
On the Loukhi front, our forces repulsed enemy counterattacks
against our recently won- hill position.
3 • North Africa :
4
On the night of 4 Aug., enemy patrol troops were very active
in the coastal sector. During the day, artillery and patrol activity
was normal along the entire front. According to photographic recon-
naissance, the oasis of Parafra Is not occupied.
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COIIFIDEITTIAL
6 Aug. IP 4 2
Iter.s of Political Importance
The British Government has neither confirmed nor denied Churchill's
trip to Moscow. General Bradley, the former commander of the U.S.
Army Air Forces, was sent to Moscow Immediately after Litvinov's
visit in Washington to give Stalin a personal letter from Roosevelt.
He arrived in I.'oscow on 4 Aug. The visit is interpreted by our
sources as having to do with increased American aid to Russia.
In connection with the question of establishing a Second Front , Anglo-
American discussions are being carried on. It is said that the
secretiveness of the Red Army commanders makes it extremely diffi-
cult to work out such a plan and practically prohibits risking the
operation. The Economist , mouthpiece of British financial circles,
issued an explicit warning against the venture of a Second Front,
saying that it would be sheer madness to cross the Channel before the
arrival of huge masses of American troops in England and outright
suicide to try to run against the enemy's modern coastal defenses.
The President of the United Automobile. Workers of the CIO spoke in a
radio broadcast in favor of the Second Front.
The representative of the French Government in occupied France, De
Brinon, declared that the only Second Front which Churchill, Roose-
volt, and .Stalin might be able to establish consists of acts of in-
surrection in France instigated by them.
Great Britain ;
In the House of Commons, Eden made known the exchange of notes be-
tween the Czechoslovak Government in Exile and the British Govern-
ment, confirming Britain's withdrawal from the stipulations of the
Munich Pact with regard to Germany's frontiers.
Charles Kennedy Purvis has been appointed deputy to the First Lord of
the Admiralty so that the First Lord of the Admiralty may be relieved
for operational assignments.
India :
Under the pressure of the Government's publication of the first draft
described on 5 Aug., Gandhi had the committee of the Congress Party
accept a new draft on 5 Aug. This draft reiterates the demand for
British withdrawal and Indian independence; it adds, however, that,
after the independence has been granted, the provisional government
of India will unconditionally join the Allies and will put up armed
resistance against the Japanese or any other aggressor. The Congress
will meet on 7 Aug. London has restated the Government's position
to the effect that a campaign of disobedience will by no means be
tolerated, that an immediate transfer of power to India is out of the
question, and that the Government adheres to the proposals trans-
mitted by Cripps .
Turkey ;
On 5 Aug., the Prime Minister introduced his new Cabinet to the Na-
tional Assembly. He declared that it is the goal of the Government
to keep the country out of war, while at the same time putting it in
a position to defend itself against any attack on its independence or
its territory. To prove the "consistancy" of Turkey's foreign policy,
with its definitely positive neutrality, Soracoglu pointed to the
treaty with Great Britain and the Turco-German agreement. All in all,
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CONFIDENTIAL
6 Aug. 1942
one cannot escape the impression that Turkey is still far from break-
ing her pact with Britain.
U.S.A. :
Baldwin, a military correspondent of the New York Times , states in an
article published in the Argentine magazine Nacion that a large-scale
air offensive against Germany depends on the outcome of the Battle of
the Atlantic, since gasoline and bombs, as well as plane replacements
must be brought to England by sea. In any case, nightly large-scale
attacks are entirely out of the question this year.
Japan :
In the opinion of Allied military circles, the Japanese operations
in the Kokoda area (on New Guinea) constitute a serious threat to
Port Moresby. Military circles in the U.S.A. expect the Japanese to
launch an attack on Alaska from the Aleutians. On 30 Jul., Japanese
Fleet forces occupied strategic points on the Aru, Kei, and Tenimber
Islands in the Arafura-Sea north of Australia.
Conference, on, the Situation with t he Chief, Naval Staff
In a Very Restricted Circle ;
I. Upon his return from the inspection tour in France, the Chief,
Naval Staff emphasizes the extremely favorable general impression
which he has obtained of the Navy's defense preparations on the'
coasts of France. Most urgently needed is a reinforcement of patrol
forces for the protection of the approach and exit routes of submarines
in the Bay of Biscay. The Commander in Chief, Navy is submitting the
following personal report to the Fuehrer:
"In t he period from 3 to 6 Aug. I have personally examined the coastal
defense preparations against enemy action in the northern and western
areas of France (Le Havre, Baie de la Seine, Brest, Lorient), as far
as they concern the Navy and its cooperation with the Army and the
Air Force. I hereby report to you, my Fuehrer, that I have gained a
very favorable impression of the state of the defenses, especially
the submarine bases. Even at this moment, a landing would mean an
almost unbearable risk to the enemy.
"Since, at this stage, the enemy can hardly achieve his primary ob-
jective, i.e. elimination of the submarine bases, he is trying to
deal a heavy blow to our submarine operations by means of continuous
air attacks against the submarines in the coastal waters and in the
Bay of Biscay on their departure and approach routes. In this he is
supported by excellent methods of radar direction-finding. So far,
several submarines have been lost in the Bay of Biscay and numerous
others suffered heavy damage which put them out of commission for
several months. As the situation is constantly becoming more diffi-
cult, I am prompted to point out to you most emphatically, my
Fuehrer, the serious harm that may be caused to our submarine opera-
tions if the present menace of air attacks in the Bay of Biscay is
allowed to continue. Today, the departure and approach of the sub-
marines via the Bay of Biscay represents the most difficult part of
submarine warfare.
-53-
CONFIDENTIAL
6 Aug. 1942
"In view of the decisive importance of submarine warfare, measures to
remedy the situation must be speeded up. The air forces on the At-
lantic coast are at present entirely inadequate for operations over
the Bay of Biscay. Only a few Ju 88' s are ready to be sent into
action. I, therefore, consider it urgently necessary to increase the
air forces of the west area (Air Commander, Atlantic Coast) in order
to obtain adequate protection in the Bay of Biscay, and request you
to order an increase in the number of air forces operating in the Bay
of Biscay to at least one Ju 88 bomber group in full readiness, as
well as their replacement by the first He 177 planes coming off the
assembly line. Only in such a measure do I see a possibility of im-
proving a situation which has become unbearable, and of avoiding
further heavy losses."
Details of the inspection tour will be reported to the usual partici-
pants at the situation conference on 7 Aug.
II. Report on the situation by the Chief, Operations Branch, Naval
Staff Operations Division:
1. The Armed Forces High Command has received reports on large-
scale Russian evacuation transports from the Tuapse area to the south
by sea. The Fuehrer wishes the Navy and the Air Force to employ all
possible means of attack. Group South and the Admiral, Black Sea are
being instructed to this effect.
2. The convoy PQ 18 has been intercepted by submarine U "405"
on a northerly course in quadrant AA 8949. The Admiral, Arctic Ocean
has sent into action group "Nebelkoenig", in order to have as many
submarines as possible in the area through which the convoy is mov-
ing. Group North has ordered the cruiser force to be ready on 3
hours notice and the KOELN to refuel immediately at Narvik.
Group North assumes that simultaneously with convoy PQ 18, a QP con-
voy will get under way. Despite the annihilation of convoy PQ 17,
more than 20 steamers have recently been located in the harbors of
the Arctic Ocean. It is therefore quite possible that a convoy will
be going back. The Group intends to send the naval forces under the
Commanding Admiral, Cruisers against the QP convoy if air reconnais-
sance furnishes sufficient evidence that the operation promises
success. It is planned to intercept and attack the convoy in the
eastern part of the Arctic Ocean but by no means to carry the attack
to an area where the 2 convoys may meet. Naval forces will attack
convoy PQ 18 only under conditions similar to those stipulated for
attack on convoy PQ 17.
The Chief, Naval Staff approves the plan in principle. The plan must
be reported to the Fuehrer.
3. The Russian convoy, whose departure from Petropavlovsk was
reported by the Japanese Navy on 26 Jul., presumably reached the
Bering Strait on 1 Aug., according to dead reckoning by the Naval
Staff Operations Division. If nothing happens, the voyage from the
Bering Strait will take 15 to 18 days, and the convoy might arrive in
the Kara Sea around 15 Aug. The date of 15 Aug. is also approximately
the latest on which an eastbound ship can depart from the west. The
Naval Staff has communicated this information to Group North and has
requested the latter to report its plans at an early date and to sub-
mit an operations order for the operation of the cruiser SCHEER in
the Kara Sea.
The Chief, Naval Staff agrees.
-54-
+
CO NFIDENTIAL
6 Aug. 1942
4. The Naval Representative at the Armed Forces High Command
Operations Staff reports from his official trip in the Black Sea area
that since reinforcements have been received the "Bluecher" offensive
is being reconsidered, involving 2 Rumanian divisions; on this de-
pends where the naval landing craft should be concentrated. 3 ves-
sels would suffice for the transport assignment on the Don. The de-
cision is up to Army Group A.
The Chief of Staff, Naval Staff has ordered Commander Junge to come
to Berlin next week to report in person about his observations con-
cerning shipyard conditions in Nikolayev and other problems.
5. The Chief of Staff, Naval Staff reports about a letter from
the Duce to the Fuehrer, which points out the decisive importance of
the transport problem in the Mediterranean and reiterates the request
for fuel oil needed by Italian naval forces to maintain patrol and
escort operations for the protection of supply transports. The Chief
of Staff, Armed Forces High Command was in Berlin and, in compliance
with the Fuehrer's basic policy, recommended a loan of 10,000 tons of
fuel oil to be granted to the Italians from Navy stocks, although he,
too, left no doubt about his opinion on the astonishingly high fuel
oil demands of the Italian Navy. Considering all the factors in-
volved, the Chief of Staff, Naval Staff has approved the measure.
The Chief, Naval Staff agrees.
Special Items :
i
I. The Air Force Operations Staff has granted the fighters re-
quested for the return of the LUETZOY/ and has issued a corresponding
directive to the 5th Air Force and the Air Force Group Command,
Central Area, v/ith copy to the Naval Staff Operations Division.
The Naval Staff is notifying Group North to this effect.
II. The Naval Intelligence Division, Foreign Navies Branch reports
about the naval stations in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in
News Analysis No. 38.
III. Radio Intelligence Report No. 31/42 of the Naval Staff Communi-
cations Division, Communications Intelligence Branch contains a com-
pilation of enemy reports from the radio decoding and radio intercept
services between 27 Jul. and 2 Aug. 1942.
Si tuation 6 Aug. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation ;
North Atlantic ;
According to an intelligence report, the number of men em-
barked in England during the first half of 1942 for transport to
India and Ceylon was slightly over 100,000. By October, 45,000 more
men for India are to follow. It is presumed that a large convoy of
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CONFIDENTIAL
6 Aug. 1942
these troops, who are provided v/ith tropical equipment, will depart
from ports on the western coast of England in the early days of
August .
Indian Ocean :
Due to the appearance of Japanese submarines in the Mozan-
blque channel, instructions for vessels sailing alone from ports in
India to the Cape of Good Hope now direct those vessels to keep far
to the east of Madagascar. But this will not bring them into the
operations area of our auxiliary cruisers.
2. Own Situation ;
The third prize of ship "10", the steamer MADRONO, entered
Yokohama on 5 Aug. Unfortunately, the ship had only ballast aboard.
Report on enemy situation was transmitted via Radiograms 1020 and
1759.
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation :
According to an intelligence report from Paris, Anglophile
circles in Prance are suddenly showing great interest in Le Treport
and its surrounding area.
Air reconnaissance observed normal ship movements in the Channel.
2. Own Situation :
No incidents have been reported.
The following operations are set for the night of 6 Aug. : mine opera-
tion by the 5th PT Boat Flotilla, torpedo operation by the 2nd and
4th PT Boat Flotillas, transfer of the 3rd Torpedo Boat Flotilla with
3 boats to St. I'alo, and transfer of the catapult ship SCHV/ABENLAND
from Boulogne to Dunkirk,
III. North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea :
Around noon, enemy planes unsuccessfully attacked vesnels
of the Rhine Flotilla off Walcheren. - In the afternoon, enemy
reconnaissance planes were active over the German Bight and the
northwestern coast of Germany. Four bombs were dropped on and in the
vicinity of the Wangeroog airfield. Our fighter planes made no con-
tact with the enemy.
Mine operation "Erasmus" (cutter float barrage SW 101) is to be
carried out during the night of 6 Aug.
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CONFIDENTIAL
6 Aug. 1942
2. Norway, Arctic Ocean ;
Enemy Situation :
Lively reconnaissance activity is reported over the northern
part of the North Sea. On 5 Aug., radio intelligence located 4
British vessels in the southern outlet of the Gorlo Strait and 1
vessel in the Murmansk area. A newly-laid Russian aerial mine was
swept in the eastern outlet of the Brei Sound.
At 0018, a submarine reported sighting a convoy on a northerly
course in quadrant AA 8949. At 0352, she lost sight of the convoy
because of fog. Thus, convoy PQ, 10 has presumably been intercepted .
Since the ice boundary has receded farther than 77 U N, it is to be
expected that the. convoy will haul off far to the north, passing
close, to the South Cape and along the northern part of Novaya Zemlya.
This greatly reduces the area where the convoy can be attacked from
the air.
Own Situation :
The KOELN and the STEINBRINCK are transferring from Trond-
heim to Bogen Bay. On 5 Aug., enemy planes were active over the
western coast. The 6th PT Boat Flotilla is transferring with 5 .
boats from Kirkenes to Tromsoe.
The Admiral, Arctic Ocean, has sent the submarine group "Nebelkoenig"
against convoy PQ 18. Submarines U "255" and U "403" have been
ordered to proceed at top speed to quadrants AB 58 and AA 69, re-
spectively. For the operations plan of Group North see Conference on
the Situation with the Chief, Naval Staff.
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
2. Own Situation :
No incidents were reported from the area of the Commanding
Admiral, Defenses, Baltic Sea.
Transport and convoy operations to and from Norway and Finland are
proceeding according to plan.
In the Gulf of Danzig, submarine U "612" sank after colliding with
submarine U "444". One man was killed.
In view of the fact that Russian naval forces are not expected to
break out of the Baltic Sea at the present stage, which means that it
will not be necessary to mine the Sound, the Naval Staff agrees to
Group North's suggestion that operations "Sevilla" and "Skarskhorn"
be dispensed with (see War Diary 3 Aug.). The mines carried by the
OTTER may be used to replenish the reserves of the Commander, Mine
Sweepers, Baltic Sea.
-57-
CONFIDENTIAL
6 Aug. 1942
On the night of 5 Aug., mine sweepers M "18" and IS "30" had several
unsuccessful light engagements with what is presumed to have been 6
Russian motor mine sweepers and 2 FUGAS-class mine sweepers in the
Gulf of Pinland between Vigrund and Mansi Bank. On the same spot, a
submerging enemy submarine was sighted at 0345.
Mine operations "Lachs V" and "Lachs VII" have been executed as
planned,*
In view of the persistent menace of submarine attacks, Group North has
assigned ships "7" and "47" (decoy ships) from the area of the Com-
manding Admiral, Defenses, Baltic Sea to the Commander, Mine Sweepers,
Baltic Sea. For operation "Duesseldorf", they will be replaced by
vessels of the 17th Patrol Boat Flotilla.
In order to reinforce the escort service in view of the persistent
danger of submarine attacks, Group North requests a temporary alloca-
tion of further gun carriers to the 27th Landing Flotilla, since it
is no longer possible to increase the force of the Commander, Mine
Sweepers, Baltic Sea by withdrawing vessels from other command areas.
The request is* under consideration.
e
V. Submarine Warfare
1. ' Enemy Situation :
Planes reported sighting submarines 175 miles west of the
Gironde estuary and 200 miles southwest of Brest. A plane reported
an unsuccessful depth charge attack on another submarine 250 miles
north of the Shetland Islands.
2. Own Situation ;
For the Naval Staff's communication to the Commanding Ad-
miral, Submarines about the intelligence report on the departure of a
large American troop transport (War Diary 3 Aug.) see Telegram 0046.
After having disappeared in the fog at 0351, convoy PQ 18 was not
located a second time during the day. Group "Nebelkoenig" has been
ordered to form a patrol line extending from quadrants AA 6819 to
AA 9381 at 0000 on 7 Aug. The convoy should reach this line shortly
after midnight if it proceeds at 8 miles per hour.
Altogether, 13 boats are operating against the convoy in quadrant A J.
8 boat3 made temporary contact with the convoy in the course of the day*
No successes have been reported from any of the operations areas.
Further reports are contained in the Supplement to the Submarine Sit-
uation in War Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
3. Special Items ;
The permission to attack unescorted vessels sailing alone
on route "Anton", which had been granted to the submarines in the past,
has now to be cancelled beginning 10 Aug. for the area north of 20" N
and beginning 16 Aug. for the area south of 20°N, due to the
-58-
*
CONFIDENTIAL
6 Aug. 1942
resumption of blockade-runner traffic.
The Commanding Admiral, Submarines is being directed to this effect
via telegram. See 1/Skl I u 1525/42 Gkdos. Chefs. In War Diary-
Part C, Vol. IV.
VI. Aerial Warfare
1.. British Isles a nd Vi cini ty;
Our planes attacked In daylight operations Norwich, Boston,
and Margate, as well as Trurc and Bodmin (Cornwall). On the night of
6 Aug., a few planes raided Cambridge and Edinburgh. Bombs were
dropped on 2 steamers in a convoy off Start Point but fighter defense
prevented observation of effects.
During the day, 2 enemy planes penetrated into the Reich area with-
out dropping bombs. During the night, 74 flights were observed over
the industrial area of western Germany. They did not concentrate on
any one place. Our night-fighters shot down 5 planes.
2. Mediterranean Theater :
Reconnaissance over the area extending up to 3 W In search
of the EAGLE group failed to yield any results.
Planes protecting supply transports and convoys took off from Crete.
In Africa, planes were sent into action against airfields arid tank
concentrations .
Reconnaissance flights were carried out over the eastern Mediterranean
and the Suez Canal. For results see Enemy Situation, Mediterranean.
3. Eastern Front ?
Patrol vessels and 1 mine-sweeper were successfully attacked
in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland. In the Arctic Ocean area,
our planes raided 1 guerilla camp near Songelsk and 1 oentonment near
Eina Bay with observed effect. Reconnaissance over the Motovski Bay
up to the Rybachi Peninsula failed to yield any results.
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
On the night of 5 Aug., the LIVERPOOL departed with 3 de-
stroyers from Gibraltar, presumably in westerly direction. One
cruiser of the CAIRO-class was at sea together with several light
vessels east of Gibraltar throughout the day for maneuvers. Efforts
to locate the EAGLE group in the western Mediterranean failed. Nor
have any indications been received about transfer of planes to Malta,
Submarines were sighted south of Naples and southwest of Gavdho.s.
-59-
CONFIDENTIAL
C Aug. 1942
No ship rnovencnts were observed in the eastern Mediterranean. Photo-
graphic reconnaissance in that area showed no noteworthy changes in the
number or type of vessels in the harbors. On 5 Aug., air reconnaissance
located 1? steamers, 1 tanker, 1 hosnital ship, find 1 southbound sub-
marine in the Suez Canal.
o
Own Situation, Mediterranean :
During the nighty of 5 Aug., enemy planes raided Bardia. 8
Italian submarines were at sea in the western lied it err an can.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Afr.ica :
On 5 Aug., the motor ships SiXTPJSRU and BIXIO arrived in
Benghazi, the AITCARA in Tobruk. Otherwise, the transport situation is
in accordance with plans. In Tobruk, 1,113 tons were unloaded on 4
Aug. and 1,130 tons on. 5 Aug. In Marsa Matruh, 212 tons were un-
loaded on 5 Aug.
4. A rea Naval Group South ;
Aegean Sea ;
On 4 Aug., an enemy submarine sank 1 auxiliary sailing vessel
off the eastern coast of the Peloponnesos . The Italian Navy reports
sighting a submarine south of the Doro Channel on 6 Aug. Transport
operations are proceeding as planned. The steamer UACKTFSLS has de-
parted under escort with several Italian steamers from Suda to Piraeus,
Black Sea :
Enemy Situation ;
An intelligence report stated that on 2 Aug. Admiral Kuznetsov
inspected the Black Sea Flotilla in Novorossisk consisting of 1 battle-
ship, 1 aircraft carrier, 30 submarines, 3 cruisers, 6 destroyers, and
10 torpedo boats. Some of the vessels are said to have been brought up
from Tuapse and Gelendzhik.
The Armed Forces High Command has received reports on large-scale evac-
uation transports from the Tuapse area to the south.
On 6 Aug., air reconnaissance observed few convoy movements in the Black
Sea along the northeastern coast.
According to an intelligence report from Sofia of mid-July, Fort
Uritski (Aleksandrovsk) on the Mangyshlak Peninsula on the northeast
coast of the Caspian Sea is now a base for the Caspian Sea Flotilla,
with large stocks of fuel, docks, and barracks.
On 5 Aug., photographic reconnaissance located 3 gunboats, 3 submarines,
11 tankers, 15 steamers, 4 large lighters, and numerous small vessels
riding at anchor in Baku.
Own Situation ;
Concerning the sinking of a Russian vessel by an Italian sub-
marine chaser on the night of 2 Aug., the Air Commander, South reports
in accord with the Italian subchaser flotilla command that, after
checking all the data, he now shares the belief that 2 separate
• GO-
CQ1IFIDEIITIAL
6 Aug. 1942
enemy forces were involved on the night of the operation and that the
Italian submarine chasers sank the cruiser KRASFY KRIM.
This opinion is based on findings of the radio intelli-
gence service (see V.'ar Diary 3 Aug.).
The llaval Shore Command, Ukraine started the transport of personnel for
Yeisk on 5 Aug.
On the night of 4 Aug., our artillery fired on 1 enemy PT boat off
Ivanbaba and several southbound vessels in the Kerch Strait. One of
our boats had an engagement with an enemy vessel. Three of our men
were wounded. 2 Russian mines which were adrift in the area off
Mariupol have been detonated.
I.line-sweeping operations are proceeding according to plan. The trans-
port of supplies from Taganrog to Azov started on 4 Au^;.
Special Items :
(1) The Gorman llaval Attache in Rome reports on 5 Aug. that the
Italian llavy has agreed to the transfer to the Caspian Sea of several
small submarines, which are at ^resent operating in the Black Sea. In
a conference with the Commanding Admiral, Croup South, Admiral
Riccardi has finally agreed to transfer immediately 2 additional sub-
marine chasers from Italy to the Black Sea area. The Italian Ad-
miralty leaves it up to Group South to decide how many surface vessels
and submarines are to be transferred from the 31ack Sea to the
Caspian Sea. The Italian Admiralty expects the number to comprise
some 5 submarines and 4 submarine chasers.
<
For the corresponding directive of the llaval Staff to Group South and
the Admiral, Black Sea see Telegram 1919.
(2) For Group South' s directive to the Admiral, Black Sea concerning
the resumption of supply transports to Sevastopol, with copies to the
Kaval Staff and the Navy Liaison Officer at the Army High Command, see
Telegram 2020.
VIII. Situation East Asia
llo special reports have been received.
IX. Army Situation
1. Russian Front :
Army Group A :
Rumanian forces are advancing toward Yeisk. 2 important
railway bridges fell into our hands undamaged. A similar success was
achieved when our troops captured 2 other railway bridges on their ad-
vance to- Ilovokursunskaya, Berenskaya, and Aleksandrole vskaya. Strong
enemy forces are holding the south shore of the Kuban River between
Ivropotkin and Timoshevskaya. In their advance from Armavir our troops
have reached Kurgannaya. The advance toward Labinskaya has begun.
P-et-rov-ek is free from --enemy -troops.—
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CONFIDENTIAL
6 Aug. 1942
Arr.iy Group D ;
South of Remontnoe, our forces gained ground towards the
south and southeast. Enemy attacks 'near Kalach and Kletskaya were
repulsed. The troops which crossed the Don on 5 Aug. have been an-
nihilated. Near Korotoyak, strong enemy forces have pushed across
the Don. Hungarian troops are mopping them up. Repeated enemy at-
tacks in the vicinity of Livny were repulsed.
Central Army Group :
Armored units brought to the Rzhev sector succeeded in
sealing off the point of penetration near Zubtsov. The penetration
was extended up to the Gzhatsk River.
Northern Army Group :
Combat activity is reported near Staraya Russa, near Soltsy,
and in the area before Leningrad.
2. Finnish Front ;
No noteworthy combat operations are reported.
3. North Africa ;
Artillery and reconnaissance activity as usual. Only small
numbers of enemy planes were in action.
-62-
CON FIDENTIAL
7 Aug. 1942
Items of Political Importan ce
India ;
Gandhi stated in a press conference that he is not going to send the
Congress resolution to the Viceroy as an ultimatum, but rather as a
basis for further negotiations. He refused to assure the representa-
tives of the press that he no longer wants to negotiate with Japan
and remarked that, under certain circumstances, such negotiations
might be in the interest of the Allies.
Portugal ;
Prime Minister Salazar gave the Temps a widely publicized interview
on the dynamic forces of the present war. The text is reprinted in
the Political Review No. 183, Paragraph 5.
In view of the weakening Russian resistance, increasing anxiety is
voiced both in Portugal and in Spain about the possibility that Great
Britain may take steps to seize not only French but Portuguese and
Spanish colonies as well.
Great Britain ;
The Secretary of State for War has announced the formation of a
Palestine regiment consisting of Jewish and Arab companies.
Japan ;
In connection with the Indian problem, the spokesman of the Japanese
Ministry of Information declared that, regardless of whether India
will or will not become independent, Japan can never allow India to
be used by the Allied forces for military purposes.
The Army spokesman confirmed this statement, pointing out that, in
case of a further expansion of anti-Japanese military activities,
Japan will take decisive military steps against India. A compromise
with Chungking is not possible. Only a complete extermination of the
Chiang Kai-shek regime will lead to a lasting peace in Eastern Asia.
Russia ;
The official German news agency (DNB) repeats rumors from Lisbon ac-
cording to which Churchill's alleged trip to Moscow was occasioned by
Stalin's threat to enter into peace negotiations unless the Second
Front is established.
Conference on the Situation with the Chief, Naval Staff
I. In his situation report, the Chief of Operations Branch, Naval
Staff Operations Division states that, so far, the Turks have not ap-
proached us in the question of the mine field off the Dardanelles.
II. The Chief of the Quartermaster Division, Naval Staff reports that
torpedo boat T "24" cannot be commissioned in October as scheduled
because no officers are available. The crew from the destroyer LODY
has already been assigned elsewhere. The Commander in Chief, Navy is;
issuing orders to the effect that the vessel, including officers, mus^
under all ... circums tances be Jcaady..J!ar— .afirvlne .nn 15-Qat^— 19-42^.
+63-
CONFIDENTIAL
7 Aug. 1942
III. The Chief of the Naval Staff Quartermaster Division reports on
the following:
1. Organization of the Commanding Officer, Supply and Trans-
ports, Black Sea who will have to face tasks of extreme importance
during the next 6 weeks.
2. The Fuehrer order concerning the release of shipyard
workers. The minister for Armaments and War Production called the
attention of the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces High Command to the
effect which execution of this order will have on the other orders
given him by the Fuehrer, and said that he night report these ob-
jections to the Fuehrer. Since Minister Sneer has presumably left
for the Fuehrer Headquarters, the Chief, Naval Staff Quartermaster
Division will do likewise without further delay, in order to make
every effort to see that the Fuehrer order, which he had brought
about, Is actually carried out.
3. The Italians have promised to begin with, to furnish
personnel for 2 smoke detachments (Gdynia, Trondheim). The arrival
of the personnel is expected around mid-August. So far, smoke-
screening preparations are completed in Kiel, Eckernfoerde, and
(by the Air Force) the Aasen Fjord.
Smoke equipment is being provided for Gdynia, the Bo gen Bay, and the
Alta Fjord.
It is hoped likewise to equip V/ilhelmshaven, Emden, 3runsbuettel,
Wesermuende, Pillau, l.lemel, Swinemuende, Stralsund, and Rudolstadt;
in Norway: Trondheim (city and harbor), Bergen, Horten; In the west
area: Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Ijmuiden, Bordeaux, Lorient, Le Havre,
Cherbourg, Brest, St. Nazaire, La Pallice, and Boulogne; in the
Aegean Sea area: Salamis.
IV. The Chief, Underwater Obstacles Branch, Naval Ordnance Division
reports that British aerial mines are likely to be equipped with
acoustic firing devices.
According to a report by the Mine Laying Experimental Command, the
mines in question are British aerial mines which had been salvaged
in the Hohwacht Bay and which show the same type of fastening de-
vices as those used for the measuring equipment in the German LITB
Gruen mines. It is very probable that the Germs n Fab III has been
copied. It is therefore to be expected that, in addition to purely
acoustic mines, there will also appear acoustic mines combined with
the British induction firing devices. Defense measures are being
prepared.
The Naval Staff immediately passed on this information to Groups V/est
and "Torth, the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, North, the Commanding
Admiral, Defenses, Baltic Sea, and the Commanding Admiral, Defenses,
West.
V. The Chief of the Submarine Division of the Naval Staff has been
directed to accept with thanks the Italian offer to furnish 500 ship-
yard workers for submarine repairs in Bordeaux.
VI. The Commander in Chief, Navy discusses certain aspects of his
inspection tour in France and issues orders pertaining to them.
-64-
CONFIDENTIAL
7 Aug. 1942
For copy of the conferences and. Inspections held In Prance, as well
as related requests and measures, 3ee l/Skl I b 19359/42 Gkdos. in
File "Besichtigungsreise Ob. d.M. im nord-und v/estfranzoes. Raum"
(Inspection tour of Commander in Chief, Navy In northern and western
areas of France), appended to War Diary, Part G, Vol. II b.
The Chiefs of the Naval Staff Quartermaster Division; the Communica-
tions Division; the Underwater Obstacles Branch, Naval Ordnance Di-
vision; and the Naval Ordnance Division are directed by the Naval
Staff to take the necessary measures.
VII. The Commander in Chief, Navy emphasizes that the data on the
calibers of guns installed on the new Japanese battleships, which
the Japanese have communicated to us as strictly confidential, must
be kept absolutely secret. The Information was meant only for the
Fuehrer, who, as recorded on 31 Jul., made certain decisions on the
basis thereof with regard to German battleship construction.
VIII. The Chief, Naval Construction Division reports on his negotia-
tions with the Reich Commissioner of Maritime Shipping concerning the
possibility of using Dutch shipyards for the "Hansa" construction
program. The Reich Commissioner has agreed under protest to the out-
come of the negotiations whereby some of these shipyard facilities
have been left at the disposal of the Navy.
The Commander in Chief, Navy agrees and points out that the Navy
should show genuine interest in the realization of the "Hansa" con-
struction program.
The Chief, Naval Construction Division reports further on his nego-
tiations with the Reich Commissioner for Maritime Shipping on the
question of shipbuilding in Nikolayev. The Chief, Naval Construction
Division considers it advisable that the Reich Commissioner of Mari-
time Shipping, using the facilities allocated to him, be the only one
concerned with construction of merchant ships in Nikolayev. The
differing view of Naval Group South cannot be approved. When tonnage
is required for transporting Caucasian oil, the tanker situation in
the Black Sea will become extremely difficult. The Navy should not
be burdened with this responsibility. The Chief, Naval Construction
Division also recommends that the wishes of the Reich Commissioner of
Maritime Shipping be complied with by placing at his disposal In the
Black Sea area 6 port commanders with ample experience In transport
service.
The Chief, Naval Staff Quartermaster Division objects to this measure,
which would mean that 6 urgently needed naval officers would be re-
leased for duty as harbor inspectors, while other officers would have
to replace them as port commanders.
The Commander in Chief; Navy agrees with the Chief, Naval Staff
Quartermaster Division in this point. As for the question of ship
construction, a separate decision will be issued after further ex-
amination.
IX. Another point of friction with the Reich Commissioner of Mari-
time Shipping is the question of turning over to him merchant ship
tonnage which is now in the hands of the Navy. The Minister for
Armaments and War Production interpreted the respective Fuehrer dir-
ective (see War Diary 28 and 29 Jul.) as meaning that 300,000 GRT are
to be released, instead of the 10$, or 250,000 GRT, ordered by the
Fuehrer, and that the Navy is forbidden to use merchant ships as
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7 Aug. 1942
hospitals or barracks. (See Y/ar Diary, 8 Jul.) To the objections
raised by the Chief, Quartermaster*' Division, Naval Staff, the
Minister merely replied that he expects the Fuehrer directive to be
complied with. Vice-Admiral Krancke will explain the matter to the
Fuehrer personally.
The difficulties which the Naval Staff feared would
arise unless cooperation between the Navy and the
Reich Commissioner of Maritime Shipping were fully
ensured, are now beginning to show up.
In a Very Restricted Circle t
X. The Naval Representative on the Armed Forces High Command
Operations Staff reports that the Chief of the Operations Staff of
the Arined Forces High Command is in complete agreement with the
Naval Staff's memorandum concerning Crete (see V/ar Diary 28 Jul.);
however he does not believe that presentation of the memorandum to
the Fuehrer will have the desired effect, since the Fuehrer has
made it a basic point of his policy to consider the Mediterranean
as part of the Italian lebensraum, in which Germany must have no
aspirations whatsoever. This area, says the Fuehrer, which, for
reasons of climate if nothing else, is unsuited for Germanic peoples,
has repeatedly brought disaster to the German Reich in the course
of history.
The Naval Staff believes that eventually the arguments laid down in
the memorandum will be proved correct by the dynamics of the mili-
tary and political developments. It is therefore necessary to
suggest these ideas to the Fuehrer now, regardless of his present
attitude. In any case the memorandum was not intended to make him
change his attitude, but was only meant to clarify the issues in-
volved. The Chief, Naval Staff will take the opportunity to call
the Fuehrer's attention to this subject briefly at the next con-
ference.
XI. No decision has aS yet been made concerning operation "Bluecher",
As matters stand now, Army Group A again seems to emphasize the
importance of maintaining the transport of supplies on the Don,
while giving up the idea of launching an offensive across the Kerch
Strait.
The first operation of the 1st PT Boat Flotilla off Tuapse has been
reported to the Armed Forces High Command. The approach route from
the Crimean bases to an operations area off the Caucasian coast is
too long for the small Italian submarines and submarine chasers.
XII. The recent mine-laying operations launched by the enemy off the
Dutch coast (mines have been located off Egmond-aen-Zee ) have
promoted Group North to give up the plan of protecting the coast by
laying our own mine fields as desired by the Army (sec V/ar Diary 1
Aug.). Group North has notified Army Group D to this effect and
recommended that the beach be extensively mined with contact mines.
XIII. The report of the Chief of Operations Branch, Naval Staff on
Group North's plans concerning the laying of mines in the sea area
of Novaya Zemlya is recorded in the V/ar Diary of 30 Jul. Investi-
gation has shov/n that the KOELN's radius of action is sufficient
for her participation in the operation.
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CONFIDENTIA L
7 Aug. 1942
The Chief, Naval Staff agrees and points out that the most dangerous
of these operations should be carried out first. The Naval Staff
will inform Group North.
XIV. With reference to the Fuehrer's demand for an investigation into
the possibilities of using mines to attack PQ, convoys during the
winter (see War Diary 17 Jul.), the Naval Staff informs Group North
of the Fuehrer directive concerning preparations by the Commanding
General of tho 20th Army in cooperation with the 5th Air Force for an
attack aimed at seizing the Murmansk Railway near Kandalaksha. Under
favorable circumstances, this attack, which has been given the code
name "Lachsfang", is to be carried out before winter sets in.
The Fuehrer considers that one of the essential prerequisites for
succeeding in this operation and exploiting the results is to pre-
vent the Russians from reinforcing their troops in Murmansk, in other
words to cut off sea communications to Murmansk this winter.
Group North is therefore directed to investigate how this can be
accomplished by extensive mine-laying. Suggestions are to be sub-
mitted as soon as possible.
Only a very restricted cirale is to be informed of operation
"Lachsfang."
XV. According to a directive of the Chief, Naval Staff (see War
Diary 6 Aug.), the plan to employ naval forces against the QP convoy
as soon as reconnaissance reports have come In is being communicated
to the Armed Forces High Command, Operations Staff, with copies to
the Fuehrer's Naval Aide and Group North. Naval forces other than
submarines can be used only if the convoy passes within the radius of
action of the destroyers; cruisers require the support of a battle-
ship, and a battleship requires destroyers as protection. The opera-
tion against the westbound convoy is planned so that our forces will
not encounter the eastbound convoy, unless definite information on the
expected heavy escort is available and our forces are not imperiled
by aircraft carriers.
For copy see Telegram l/skl I a 1531/42 Gkdos. Chefs, in File
"Eispalast".
The Chief, Naval Staff agrees.
t&egial Items;
I. On 20 Jul., the Military Attache In Santiago, Chile sent the
fallowing report:
"The U.S. Military Attache made the following statements to a. Chilean
general on the over-all plans of the U.S.A. for the further conduct
of the war: a large air force is being assembled in U.S.A., primarily
for an offensive against Germany and Europe. Preparations will take
another § to 6 months. The offensive will mainly be launched from
th© gritish Isles which are being prepared for this purpose (occupa-
tion of Ireland prior to this action might be necessary). A real mass
attack will be employed in the operation without regard for losses.
The first attaok will be directed against big cities (as thoroughly
as possible) and against Industrial centers. Only after that will
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CONFIDENTIAL
7 Aug. 1942
major Amy and Navy operations against the Continent be launched.
Earlier similar operations are only of nuisance and training value.
It makes no difference whether Russia has lost the Caucasus and other
areas by then or not. The essential thing is to hold the Russian
front as such, so that it can once more be used to tie up German
forces at a later date. Furthermore, preparations are in progress for
an offensive in Central Africa and the Nile valley in the direction of
the Mediterranean and beyond, as well as for an offensive from
Australia against the Japanese-occupied islands. Finally, an air
offensive will be launched from Russian territories in the East
against Japan. Preparation of air bases (particularly 150 to 200 km
northwest of Vladivostok) has been under way for a long time; due to
efficient camouflage, the Japanese have apparently failed to realize
its extent. Part of the materiel has already arrived there. China
plays the same role with respect to Japan as Russia with respect to
Germany. The danger of a post-war spread of communism (which is not
too important for America) must at this juncture be put up with."
II. An extract from the study of the Control Inspectorate in Africa,
dated 28 May, on French defenses in case of an Anglo-American offen-
sive against Morocco is in War Diary, Part C, Vol. XVI.
III. The Naval Communications Division, Intelligence Branch, acting
in agreement with the Naval Staff, Operations Division, has issued
designations and abbreviations for British ships. For copy see
l/Skl 27018/42 geh. in War Diary, Part B, Vol. V.
IV. The distribution of British naval forces as of 1 Aug. 1942, ac-
cording to the findings of the Naval Communications Division, In-
telligence Branch, can merely be taken as an indication of the actual
situation, since for some time in the past only a very limited amount
of information could be obtained about the movements of British naval
forces. For copy see l/skl 26793/42 geh. In War Diary, Secret Radio
Intelligence Reports.
Situation 7 Auk. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
According to an intelligence report, the steamer QUEEN
ELIZABETH was located on 3 Aug. on a southerly course at 18°E < ,34°S.
On 27 Jul., the auxiliary cruiser ALCANTARA, after escorting a
steamer as far as the latitude of Durban, began her return voyage to
Cape Town.
2. Own Situation :
The German Naval Command, Italy reports that on 6 Aug. at
noon the Italian repatriation ships ARCOLA and TAIGETE were proceed-
ing at a speed of 8.5 knots on a course of 92° when located at 6°
43' N, 34° 82' W.
Via Radiogram 0108, ship "10" was notified of the arrival of the
MADRONO in Yokohama on 5 Aug.
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COHFIDEHTIAL
7 Aug. 1942
Radiogram 2017 informs the CHARLOTTE SCHLIEMAM that she can probably
proceed to Japan at the end of August.
Via Radiogram 2044, all vessels in foreign waters were notified that
the permission for our submarines to attack unescorted vessels sail-
ing alone on route "Anton" has been revoked for the area north of 20°
N beginning 10 Aug. and for the area south of 20°N beginning 16 Aug.
This puts the original order for route "Anton" back into effect, ex-
cept for £he fact that the operations zone for the submarines along
the Brazilian coast is not 300 but 400 miles wide.
Information on enemy situation was given via Radiogram 0600.
II. Situation West Area
1,11 n . ■ ■ , , ■ i ■
1. Enemy Situation :
Radio intelligence intercepted location reports of- a German
force in the sea area of South Foreland „
2. Own Situatio n:
Atlantic Coast :
No incidents have been reported.
Channel Coast :
On the night of 6 Aug., the 4th PT Boat Flotilla was sent
on a torpedo mission in quadrant BF 2298 but failed to sight any en-
emy vessels. The 2nd PT Boat Flotilla carried out extensive mine-
laying operations in quadrant 3192. For brief reports from the two
flotillas see Telegram 1140. The 5th PT Boat Flotilla has carried
out its mine operation according to plan.
Enemy PT boats and motor gunboats repeatedly attacked the convoy of
the SCHWABENLAITD en route from Boulogne to Dunkirk. Nevertheless,
the convoy arrived in its port of destination at 0700 as scheduled.
The attacks resulted In brisk engagements, partly at close range, be-
tween the escort vessels of the 8th Mine Sweeper Flotilla and the
enemy force which is estimated to have consisted of 2 to 3 flotillas.
One enemy vessel was definitely sunk, 2 others were probably sunk,
and 5 more were damaged. Radio intelligence has confirmed that the
motor torpedo boat MTB "44" was sunk, another one was set afire, and
a third one entered port in damaged condition. Our vessels were re-
peatedly hit but remained fully ready for action. For the brief
report of the 8th Mine Sweeper Flotilla see Telegram 1520.
The participating vessels of the 8th Mine Sweeper
Flotilla deserve full recognition for having so
successfully protected the valuable ship in their
convoy.
Another engagement occurred during the same night off Barfleur between
a group of the 38th Mine Sweeper Flotilla and some 8 British PT boats,
2 of which were observed as probably sunk and others as hit. For the
brief report of the 38th Mine Sweeper Flotilla see Telegram 1305.
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CONFIDENTIAL
7 Aug. 1942
Other enemy PT boats fired on a group of harbor defense vessels off
Calais, but our vessels remained at their position ready for action.
The mine-detonating vessel "170" sank when hit by a mine off Ostend.
Attempts are being made to salvage the wreck.
The transfer of 3 boats of the 3rd Torpedo Boat Flotilla from St.- Halo
to La Pallice is completed., Due to another mishap, torpedo boat T
"4" has remained in St. Malo.
Special Items ;
(1) In July 1942, the enemy carried out 10 air raids on the forces
of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, V/est. Total losses: the net
layer URANUS and the mine sweeper M "4008". Two steamers and 9 small
vessels were damaged.
(2) The Air Force General attached to the Commander in Chief, Navy
has transmitted the urgent request of the 5th Air Force to transfer
the catapult ship SCKY.'ABENLAND to the home base with the next convoy.
III. North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea ;
Enemy Situation :
Except for fishing vessels, no ship movements were sighted
off the southeastern and eastern coasts.
Own Situation :
Along the Dutch coast and in the German Bight, 10 ground
mines were swept, 4 of them off Egmond-aan-Zee. The 8th I.!otor l!ine
Sweeper Flotilla has executed the special mission "Erasmus I" ac-
cording to plan. (Barrage EBP.) Operation "Erasmus II" is set for
the night of 7 Aug. The Danish steamer LISE (1,247 GRT ) struck a
mine north of Wangeroog and sank. During the night of 6 Aug., enemy
planes flew in and out of the northern area and. approached Heligoland
and Borkum. It is assumed that they dropped mines.
2. Norway, Arctic Ocean :
Enemy Situation :
At 1732 an FW 200, using a radar location-finding set,
located a target presumed to be convoy PQ 18, for the first time in
the fog, at a distance of about 20 km. The location was quadrant
AB 71. The target was not sighted.
Own Situation :
A Russian lead-horn,ed mine M 08 was cut on the convoy route
off Mageroe in the area of the Commanding Admiral, Norway. On the
night of 6 Aug. (at 0020), enemy planes unsuccessfully attacked our
convoy off the Sylte Fjord. On 6 Aug., bombs were dropped on the
Makkaul coast guard station without causing any damage.
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CONFIDENTIAL
7 Aug. 1942
The 6th PT Boat Flotilla has been released from the area of the Ad-
miral, Arctic Ocean.
So far, our submarines have failed to regain contact with convoy PQ, 1G.
The Admiral, Arctic Ocean considers a passage south of Jan I'ayen as
unlikely and intends to let the patrol lines remain at their positions
until 1700, on the assumption that ice and fog have reduced the day's
run of the convoy. If, by that time, contact with the enemy has not
been established, the Admiral, Arctic Ocean is nositive that the convoyl
will pass either east or south of Jan Mayen. In this case, he plans
to have the submarines proceed at wide intervals in position to inter-
cept the convoy in the longitude of Bear Island.
Group North takes further into account the possibility that convoy PQ
18 might make a stop at Spitsbergen and then, depending on the ice
conditions, proceed close to the coast, waiting for lower visibility.
With 10 of our submarines involved in the operation, Group North con-
siders it impossible that the convoy can slip between Bear Island and
Spitsbergen without being seen or located. The Group believes it un-
likely that the convoy will pass south of Bear Island.
The Commanding Admiral, Fleet has taken over the command of the naval
forces on board the TIRPITZ.
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation :
4
On the night of 5 Aug., a Russian submarine, escorted by 2
mine sweepers of the FUGAS class and several motor mine sweepers, is
presumed to have broken through the "Seeigel" minefield. Off Vigr-und
a submarine returning from the Baltic Sea is trying to break through to
Kroiistadt. Attempts by Russian naval forces to bring her in have so
far "apparently been unsuccessful. Russian planes are in action against
our submarine chasers.
2 . Own Situation :
■
No incidents occurred in the area of the Commanding Admiral,
Defenses, Baltic Sea. Execution of the "Duesseldorf " mine operation is
set for the night of 7 Aug.: submarine 7 J "119" will lay minefield XIV
consisting of 66 rack mines type A between 57° 21.5' II, 7° 33' E, and
57° 33.5' N, 70 23' E.
In the area of the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea, the 27th Land-
ing Flotilla has completed the "Lachs IV" mine operation according to
plan ,
Subchaser "1212" sank east of Tytersaari as a result of a mine hit. 20
men are missing. Mine sweepers I" "19" and M "17" suffered casualties
through enemy air attacks off VIgrund. Group North has urgently re-
quested the 1st Air Force to furnish fighter protection for this point
in order to prevent any attempts on the part of the enemy submarines to
return to Kronstadt Bay. Beginning 8 Aug., 1 flight of 5 fighters will
be placed at the Group's disposal. In view of the new break through th£
"Seeigel" minefield, Group North has ordered that a minefield be
laid immediately north of Vigrund and Namsi Bank, on the assumption
that, so far, the Russians have penetrated the "Seeigel"
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CONFIDENTIAL
7 Aug. 1942
mine field where the water was deepest,
V.
Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation :
According to an intelligence report, 1 convoy departed from
U.S. harbors to the British Isles on 5 Aug., and another left Gibral-
tar in westerly direction on 7 Aug. Otherwise there is nothing to re-
port.
2. Own Situation:
In the North Atlantic, the concact with the convoy in
quadrants AJ and AK was lost from noon till around 2300. It was re-
gained in quadrant AK 0177. No successes were reported from the op-
erations against this convoy, in which a total of 12 submarines are
participating.
There are likewise reports on successes in the areas along the Ameri-
can East Coast and off the West Indies.
Of the submarines operating in the South Atlantic, U "572" reported
sinking an 8,000 GRT steamer carrying ammunition in the Freetown area.
This submarine sighted 3 steamers between 26 and 31 Jul., while sub-
marine U "507" sighted nothing in the area from quadrant ES 50 up to
FB 93 and back to FC 33 during the period from 23 Jul. to 7 Aug. It
may be that, as a reaction to the appearance of our submarines off
Freetown, the enemy has stopped all ship movements or ordered them
widely dispersed.
No successes have been reported from the Mediterranean either.
According to radio decoding, on 5 Aug. an unidentified vessel picked
up 31 survivors from the steamer EMPIRE OCEAN (6,750 GRT). It is
possible that the steamer was sunk by submarine U "458". For details
see Supplement to the Submarine Situation in War Diary, Part B, Vol.
IV.
Special Items :
(1) The Naval Attache, Madrid reports that on 2 Aug. submarine U
"573" was decommissioned in Cartagena. The submarine has since been
flying the Spanish flag.
(2) On 5 Aug., the Commanding Admiral. Submarines reported that sub-
marines U "68", "156", "172", and "504* will form a group named
"Eisbaer" and depart from Lorient by 19 Aug. for operations in the
Cape Town area. After having reached the latitude of the Azores, the
group is to proceed In reconnaissance line approximately through
quadrant FE 10 to quadrant GG 10 where the accompanying submarine U
"459" will refuel the group around 22 Sep. The equator will be
crossed around 10 Sep. The Commanding Admiral, Submarines has re-
quested general permission to attack on the entire route from the port
of departure up to the point of refueling, whereas from south of that
point until their arrival in the waters off Cape Town, the submarines
are to attack only battlep^ns, aircraft carriers, and very large
troop transports.
<*
-72-
CONF
7 Aug. 1941:
Since none of our surface vessels will be at sea from east of 15 .! ^
to Cane Town at the time when the submarines enter* the South Atlantic,
the requested freedo/n of attack could be granted for the route up to
the refueling point. So for, the Cape Town area has been free of
submariner,, with the heaviest enemy ship traffic converging there. If
the submarines appear there suddenly without being detected before-
hand, their chances will bo substantially Improved. However, attacks
by the submarines on their approach route south of the .equator would
reveal our elans prematurely. After having carefully considered all
the advantages and disadvantages, the Naval Staff is of the opinion
that success can be achieved only if every effort is directed toward
the main objective, and the element of surprise is maintained. Con-
sequently, the submarines should not only be forbidden to attack
after they have crossed the equator but should also be ordered to
avoid being detected. Only battleships and aircraft carriers nay be
attacked when it is sure they can be hit. It is also particularly
important that the submarines not communicate by radio with the com-
mand or with each other.
For copy of the respective telegram see l/Skl I u 1520/42 Gkdos, Chefs
in War Diary, Part C, Vol. IV.
VI. Aerial VJai-fare
1. British Isles and Vicinity ;
Successful raids were carried out on Edinburgh during the
day. In addition, our planes raided several localities on the south-
ern coast of England. During the night, bombs were dropped on Aber-
deen, Nottingham, and Ipswich. Hits were observed.
2 . Mediterranean Theater :
Air reconnaissance over the Mediterranean failed to yield
any results. In North Africa, air raids by strong enemy forces on
our supply routes were not very effective. Forces of the Air Com-
mander, Africa, flying free-lance fighter patrol and fighter cover,
shot down 13 planes and lost one of their own. Taking off from
Crete, our planes carried out reconnaissance and escort missions, as
well as submarine chase.
3. Eastern Front ;
22 enemy planes were shot down on the sectors of the Central
and Northern Army Groups. According to an intelligence report, the
oil transport on the Volga has been alms t completely suspended to
make room for military supply transports and for the evacuation of
essential war cargo.
One patrol vessel was damaged in the Gulf of Finland.
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and in the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean ;
A submarine was sighted east of Kerkenna and another one
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CONFIDENTIAL
7 Aug. 1942
southwest of Crete. According to an Italian report, the latter was
sunk by an Italian torpedo boat soine 55 miles southwest of Cape Krio.
Lively convoy traffic was observed off the Palestine coast.
According to a belated intelligence report, 2 British PT boats de-
stroyed an Italian submarine after a brief engagement off Beirut on
9 Jul. 11 Italians were taken prisoner. The same report states that
several British fleet vessels have withdrawn from the Mediterranean
via the Suez Canal.
2. Own Situation,' Mediterranean
On the 'night of 5 Aug. and on the evening of 6 Aug., enemy
planes raided Tobruk, causing slight damage.
The Italian mine operation off Marsa Matruh has been executed.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa ;
Transport of supplies from Italy and Greece to North Africa
and along the African coast proceeded according to plan. An enemy
submarine sank the steamer WACIITFELS in the convoy proceeding from
Crete to Piraeus. The convoy was escorted by 2 Italian torpedo boats,
the auxiliary motor ship BARLETTA, and 1 submarine chaser, but had no
air escort. The majority of the crew and passengers were rescued.
Thus, we deplore the loss of the last large German steamer.
On 6 Aug., 1,699 tons were unloaded in Tobruk.
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea ;
In view of the menace from enemy submarines, movements of
convoys and small vessels in the Aegean Sea have been halted after the
sinking, in addition to the Y/ACHTFELS, of another auxiliary sailing
vessel on 6 Aug. and an unsuccessful six-fan *tack on the tanker
RONDINE on 7 Aug. Group South expects intensified submarine action
by the enemy against the supply route Piraeus-Crete-Africa of which
he is now aware. The Group, therefore, considers it necessary to
have more submarine chasers from Italy operate in this area.
Black Sea ;
Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance reports the presence, at noon, of 1
cruiser, 5 small warships, and 2 steamers in Tuapse. ' Only light ship
traffic was observed in the Novorossisk -Tuapse area. On 6 Aug., 1
submarine was located in the vicinity of the lighthouse on the Tendra
Peninsula.
2 small steamers and 7 other vessels were sighted in Primorsk Akhtar-
skaya in the Azov Sea and 11 small steamers and 8 other vessels were
sighted off the harbor. 35 barges, 60 motor boats, 20 tugs 7/ith
barges, and 7 large rafts were observed on the Volga between Astrakhan
and Stalingrad. An unarmed Russian motor fishing vessel carrying
4,500 rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition has deserted the enemy in
Akhtarsk and joined us in Osipenko. According to the captain's state-
ment, mine fields have been laid along the coa-st from Akhtari up to
Yeisk. Essential plants and shipyards have been destroyed, and the
coastal batteries at Yeisk and Akhtari are withdrawing.
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CONFIDENTIAL
7 Aug. 1942
Own Situation :
Convoys in the Black Sea area are proceeding according to
plan.
The Admiral, Black Sea has reported from headquarters at Kerch that
the operation of the 1st PT Boat Flotilla off Tuapse is to be re-
peated during the night of 9 Aug. and that, due to the great distance
from the operational harbors, no further forces are available for that
mission. Group South has pointed out that, in view of the fact that
the approach route from Feodosiya is 180 miles long, the PT boat
flotilla can remain in the operations area- for a very short time only.
The Group adds that, due to the present situation, the boats are
needed for their assignment against Russian nuisance attacks and for
flank protection in operation "Bluecher". The available naval forces
can be used farther to the south only after operation "Bluecher" has
been completed and a base situated farther south has become available.
The Naval Staff has informed the Armed Forces High Command, Operations
Staff, with copies to the Amy High Command and the Air Force Opera-
tions Staff, that the' 1st PT Bo&t Flotilla is being sent into action
against the southbound evacuation transports from the Tuapse area on
the night of 7 Aug. and that a repetition of this operation is plan-
ned for the night of 9 Aug. Because of the great distance between
Tuapse and the operational harbors, no further forces are available
at the present moment.
Special Items :
(1) The Italian Naval High Command reports through the German Naval
Attache in Rome that, in order to prepare and carry out the transfer
of further submarine chasers and small submarines from Italy and the
Black Sea to the Caspian Sea, it is necessary to have information on
transport conditions from Vienna via Rostov and from the Rumanian
harbors via Rostov to the Caspian Sea. To save time, the Italian
Naval High Command requests the Naval Staff to agree to a direct
settlement between the Italian Naval High Command and the Naval Group
South. The Naval Staff agrees on the assumption that Group South will
take direct action on all further steps, with the Naval Attache in
Rome participating in the negotiations with the Italian Naval High
Command. A plane requested for gathering the necessary reconnaissance
data must be made available from the area of Group South. The Naval
Staff Quartermaster Division has been requested to assist Group South,
if necessary.
(2) According to the findings of the Naval Staff Intelligence Di-
vision, it is not possible to transport the Italian subchasers from
the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea by rail. The Intelligence Division
has been requested to ask the Intelligence Division East of the Army
General Staff for the most recent data on roads north of the Caucasus ,
between the two seas, obtained during the latest advance of the Army.
The Naval Staff believes that tl.e Russians might have developed the
roads even during the war, or that some of the roads in the German-
occupied area are still being repaired and improved, a fact which
would make it possible to transport Italian subchasers by land on
special truck trailers.
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CONFIDENTIAL
7 Aug. 1042
VIII. Situation East Asia
Nothing to report.
IX. Army Situation
1. Russian Front !
Army Group A :
Rumanian forces have reached the area before Yeisk. The
southward advance continues against weaker enemy resistance. Our
troops have reached Labinskaya south of Arnavir. Hear Armavir, fight-
ing occurred between our troops and armed civilians, llorth of Petrov-
skoe, our troops took Ipatovo.
Army Group D :
The enemy forces located west of Kalach were trapped after
our troops closed the ring around them from the south, along the Don
River. Break-out attempts are being prevented. The enemy penetra-
tion north of Korotoyak has been somewhat widened. Fighting is still
in progress against the enemy forces which had penetrated into the
area near Voronezh.
Central Army Group ;
The enemy failed in his efforts to widen the penetration
southeast of Rzhev. Our troops are fighting hard to mop up the breach.
Northern Army Group :
Combat activities are in progress against the enemy troops
v/hich had infiltrated into the area southeast of St&raya Russa. Enemy
attacks north of Novgorod and in the area of Soltsy were unsuccessful.
Artillery fire shattered attacks and concentrations of enemy troops in
the Leningrad area. ^
2. Finnish Front ;
No noteworthy combat activities are reported.
3. North Africa ;
Reconnaissance and artillery activity as usual. Lively
activity of enemy air forces is reported.
-76-
CONFIDENTIAL
8 Aug. 1943
Items of Political Importance
Reuter reports that the British and the U.S. Ambassadors arrived in
Moscow from Kuibyshev. The U.S. Ambassador in Ankara is also re-
ported to be on his way to Moscow, as are the representatives of the
Fighting French and of Norway. The meeting of these diplomats, in
conjunction with the reports about Churchill's stay in Moscow and
about the presence there of U.S. General Bradley, indicates that
questions of decisive importance are being discussed at the present
moment. The negotiations will probably center on the establishment
of a second front in Europe, considering that Churchill probably went
to Moscow in order to convince Stalin that Russia must under all cir-
cumstances stick by the Allies, even if she has to suffer further
heavy losses of -territory and life. Such losses could not be averted
even if a second front were established, as is now being discussed.
In other quarters, the discussion for and against the establishment
of a second front in Europe is still going on. For details see
Political Review No. 184, Paragraph 1.
Concerning the shipping situation of the enemy powers , the head of
the U.S. War Production Board has recommended that transport plane
production be at least doubled, and that certain bomber types be
converted into transport planes. The same agency has established
a priority list for shipping in order to curb imports.
Great Britain :
The First Lord of the Admiralty said in a speech dealing with the
achievements of the British Navy that despite heavy losses more
ships are at present under the Admiralty's control than were in
November 1918. Considerable losses are constantly being inflicted
on enemy submarines, but -details cannot be disclosed.
According to a statement by the Food Minister, Great Britain has
ample bread supplies, and the food stocks are larger than at the
beginning of the war. A further cut in the meat ration may, how-
ever, prove inevitable.
India :
On 7 Aug., the long-awaited session of the All-India Congress Com-
mittee was opened as scheduled. The Committee will address letters
to Roosevelt, Chiang Kai-shek, Maisky, and other Allied leaders,
with the request to support the Congress which will resist a
Japanese invasion with all weapons of war as soon as the new resolu-
tion has been adopted. Gandhi sent a special message to the Chinese
people, stating that India is fighting not only for her own libera-
tion but for the defense of China as well.
Portugal :
A report from a diplomatic source states that after the failure
of previous negotiations the British Government has now presented
an ultimatum to Portugal demanding permission for South African
troops to proceed to Lourenco Marques via Mozambique. The ultimatum
also demands authorization for the erection of a bunker station in
Lobito, evidently intended for refueling convoys. Salazar's
pessimism and ill health are indicative of the amount of British
pressure being brought to bear on the Portuguese Government.
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CONFIDENTIAL
8 Aug. 1942
Turkey ;
On 6 Aug. , the new government received a unanimous vote of confi-
dence from the National Assembly.
A French source reports that the Turco-Syrian frontier has been
closed.
In his report on the military and political situation, the German
Naval Attache states that Turkey's interest continues to be focused
almost exclusively on the North African theater of war. Turkey fears
with good reason that if Egypt and the Suez Canal fall she will be
cut off economically and will no longer hold the balance of power
of forces in the eastern Mediterranean which so far has enabled her
to maintain the desired neutrality. There are as yet no indication
of a basic change in Turkey's attitude. This attitude will depend
on the further development of operations in Russia and Egypt.
Brazil :
The official German News Agency (DNB) reports that, according to an
announcement in Stockholm by the Brazilian Government, only 483
German citizens have been interned in Brazil, while more than 100,000
continue their occupations completely at liberty. Furthermore,
only a very small amount of property belonging to German citizens
was confiscated as compensation for Brazilian ship losses and
casualties.
♦
Special Items :
I. According to an investigation by the Naval Intelligence Divi-
sion, Foreign Merchant Marine Branch, the losses in enemy or enemy-
controlled merchant ship tonnage during the month of July 1942
amounted to a total of 944 vessels or 1.095.894 GRT.
Of these, 107 vessels totalling 563,316 GRT were sunk by our sub-
marines
11 vessels totalling 46,760 GRT were sunk by our sur-
face vessels
5 vessels totalling 3,446 GRT were sunk by mines
and 28 vessels totalling 149,554 GRT were sunk by planes.
The German share in the sinkings totals 162 vessels or approxi-
mately 790,000 GRT, while the re6t is to be attributed to the
Italians and Japanese.
II. For the directive of the Commander in Chief, Navy to the Group
Commands, the Fleet, the Commanding Admiral, Submarines, and the
German Admiral, Rome concerning methods of dealing with differences
of opinion in the War Diaries see l/Skl I a 17891/42 Gkdos. in War
Diary, Part B, Vol. V..
III. In News Analysis "Foreign Navies" No. 39 the Naval Staff In-
telligence Division, Foreign Navies Branch reports on the oil con-
sumption of the British Navy in the various areas. The total an-
nual consumption for the British Navy is estimated at 5,400,000 tons.
*
-78-
CONFIDENTIAL
8 Aug. 1943
Situation 8 Aug. 1942
I . War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
2. Own Situation ; '
On 7 Aug. at 2338 ship "23" sent the following message:
"No steamer traffic in quadrants GC, FS, FL, FM, FN, FU, GG." The ,
Naval Staff confirmed the message via Radiogram 0122.
At 0017, another short signal which could not be understood, was
received from ship "23". Via Radiogram 1217, the ship was asked
to repeat the message.
Ship "28" sent the following message: "Have dismissed supply ship.
Supply ship has 1,500 tons of fuel left. Have handed over 104
prisoners." The Naval Staff confirmed the message via Radiogram
0532. The Naval Staff concludes from the message sent by ship "23".
at 2338 that ship "23", in agreement with ship :, 28", made a recon-
naissance voyage through the above-mentioned large quadrants of the
South Atlantic and that she was communicating this to Bhip "28".
The Naval Staff assumes that the second message may have contained
information on ship movements., The few messages intercepted by
the radio intercept service confirm the report from ship "23". The
Naval Staff believes that there is now less traffic in the central
part of the South Atlantic than in the past few months, although
there is still a little. Via Radiogram 1501, the Naval Staff in-
formed ship "23" and ship "28" of this assumption. From the message
sent by ship "28" at 0317 the Naval Staff concludes that ship "28"
is again fully replenished with fuel, and that the CHARLOTTE
SCHLIEMANN has been dismissed according to orders.
Ship "28" is being notified of this assumption, as well as of the
fact that the CHARLOTTE SCHLIEMANN has been informed that she may
expect to leave the South Atlantic for Japan toward the end of
August. Should the SCHLIEMANN already have set out on her voyage
to Japan, ship "28" ia requested to indicate by number the date
of the departure of the SCHLIEMANN when convenient. (See Radio-
gram 1738.)
Information on the enemy situation is sent out via Radiogram 2142.
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation :
An intelligence report states. that on 15 Jul. a fast
convoy of 16 or 17 ships, including the AQUITANIA and a large
American ship carrying troopB from the U;S.A., arrived in the
ports of northern Ireland. The convoy made the passage in 9 days
and returned empty after 4 or 5 days. The unloading was per-
formed in 3 shifts. The majority of the light escort vessels pro-
ceeded to Limavady, a U.S. battleship to Scotland. The cruiser
CHESTER was in Belfast.
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CONFIDENTIAL
8 Aug. 1942
2. Own Situation :
Atlantic Coast :
A mine sweeper removed a ground mine off St. Nazaire.
Due to a change in the state of readiness of the blockade-runners,
the Naval Staff intends to change the sailing schedule and to have
the following ships deoart during the new-moon period in September:
the PASSAT, the PIETRO ORSELO, the IRENE, the SPICHERN, the
BURGENLAND, the RIO GRANDE, and the BRAKE.
Group West is being notified accordingly and directed to Drepare
and provide for the departure of all these ships. Depending on the
situation, Group West will have to see how many ships can actually
leave. Copy of the directive as per l/Skl I k 1527/42 Gkdos. Chefs
in War Diary, Part C, Vol. XI.
Channel Coast :
6 vessels of the 4th PT Boat Flotilla have arrived in
Boulogne. Transfer of the SCHWABENLAND from Dunkirk to Flushing
is set for the night of 8 Aug.
III. North Sea. Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea :
Enemy Situation :
No noteworthy reports have been received. Unfavorable
weather conditions badly hampered air reconnaissance operations.
Own Situation :
Due to bad weather, special mission "Erasmus II" (barrage
SW 102) had to be broken off. Mine-detonating vessels and mine
sweepers removed a number of ground mines, including 2 north of
Egmond-aan-Zee. In the evening the catapult ship SCHWABENLAND set
out on her voyage from Flushing to Rotterdam. At noon, enemy
planes unsuccessfully attacked an anti-aircraft ferry in the
Scheldt estuary and the Rhine flotilla in the fairway of Wieling.
On the night of 8 Aug. enemy planes flew over the German Bight,
and probably dropped mines in that area.
Special Items :
The Armed Forces High Command, Operations Staff announces
that the Commanding General, Armed Forces, West will not agree to
the changes in the Navy's sector boundaries as suggested by the
Commander, Army Group, Netherlands. Thus the sectors previously
established by the Navy will remain in force.
2. Norway. Arctio Ocean :
Enemy Situation :
On 7 and 8 Aug., air reconnaissance reported the Hinlopen
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8 Aug. 1942
Strait and the Olga Strait
small drift ice areas were
pass. Extensive fogs were
bergen, reaching
not be located.
CONFIDENTIAL
(Spitsbergen) free of pack ice. Only
observed there. Steamers can probably
observed between Eear Island and Spits-
as far as Jan May en. Therefore convoy PQ 18 could
Radio intelligence located 2 BritiBh vessels in the Archangel area
up to the southern outlet of the Gcrlo Strait.
Own Situation ?
Russian moored M 08 mines „ some of which were rusty, were
swept in the Porsanger Fjord." 2 Russian mines were swept on route
"Rot" near point 70. It is quite possible that the Russians have
anti-sweeping devices in that location. Enemy planes raided the
coast guard station and battery at Havningsborg and near Kiborgnos
without causing any damage. Convoy and transport operations pro-
ceeded according to plan.
Group North has agreed to the transfer of 3 Ar 196 planes, as sug-
gested by the Fleet Command, after the LUETZOW has been brought
back to the Baltic Sea.
Group North has submitted the operations order of the Fleet Command
for the transfer of the cruiser LUETZOW from Trondheim to the Baltic
Sea (code name "Eiche"). Escort is to be furnished by the torpedo
boats T "6", "15", "9", "12", and the tender F "1". The earliest
date is set for 9 Aug., the latest for 15 Aug.
IV. Skagerrak. Baltic Sea Entrances. Baltic Sea
1, Enemy Situation ;
According to a report from the Naval Attache in Stockholm,
the Swedish Navy announced that it is taking very energetic action
against the Russian submarines in accordance with orders issued to
the Swedish naval forces. The Swedish Navy is convinced that it has
definitely sunk 3 Russian submarines.
2. Own 8it\iation ;
Operation "Dueseeldorf " has been carried out as planned.
Patrol and convoy pperations in the area of the Commanding Admiral,
Defenses, Baltic Sea proceeded as scheduled, without incidents.
Operations "Seehund I" and "Seehund II" in the area of the Commander,
Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea were broken off because of unsafe naviga-
tion. 1 landing craft ran aground. 4 mines were 6wept in the gap
of the "Nashorn" mine field. The Finns report that a small Russian
vessel struck a mine in mine field "Seehund IV" and sank.
Convoy and transport operations proceeded according to plan, without
any incident.
-01-
CONFIDENTIAL
8 Aug. 1942
V. Merchant Shlnping
According to an intelligence report, there ia no doubt that
Great Britain has withdrawn about 300,000 to 330,000 tons from the
freight traffic during the last 4 to 6 weeks and is keeping them
in the British Isles. So far, it has not been possible to ascertain
which vessels were withdrawn or any other details. The report
deserves attention as a possible indication that ships are being
made ready for landing operations.
The Naval Intelligence Division, Foreign Merchant Marine Branch
reports in Brief Report No. 24/42 about the number and kind of
ships and ship movements in Gibraltar during the month of July,
about tungsten shipments from Spain and Portugal to the British
Isles, and about transport flying boat construction in the U.S.A.
(5,000 70-ton Mars flying boats).
The same report contains a critical analysis of ship production
in the U.S.A. According to this analysis, the production in the
U.S.A. began with 15 ships in January 1942 and gradually increased
to 71 ships totalling 535,000 GRT in July. All in all, the ship-
yards in the U.S.A. turned out 301 ships totalling 2,200,000 tons
during the first half of 1942, in Britain 87 ships totalling 630,000
tons, in Canada 30 ships totalling 225,000 tons, making a total of
418 ships or 3,078,000 tons in the 3 countries. From this rate of
development the Naval Intelligence Division concludes that nearly
5,000,000 tons of new ships will have been added by the end of 1942,
VI. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation ;
Radio intelligence intercepted special orders issued to
a U.S. plane for finding a German submarine which had been sighted.
The U.S. naval authorities have declared a mined area near Cape
Hatteras where ships are not permitted to sail except under control
of naval authorities.
2. Own Situation :
3 submarines are reported to have departed recently from
Germany and 2 are reported to be outward bound from the harbors of
western France.
Ground fog and poor visibility outside the fog areas prevented the
submarines of group "Nebelkoenig" from making contact with what
was assumed to be convoy PQ 18. 9 of the boats have been assigned
new attack areas in quadrants AB 3532, 3512, 3546, 3593, 3821,
3917, 3859, 3975, and 6234. Submarine U "255", the 10th in the
froup, i8 to patrol the eastern exit of the Hinlopen Strait
Spitsbergen) at approximately 22° E. The 2 boats in the eastern
seotor of the operations area are to take up their oositions in
quadrants AC 98 and 99, with permission to advance to quadrant
AW 32 if necessary.
The operation against the eastbound convoy in quadrant AK was
continued. However, fog and rain squalls greatly hampered the
use of arms. Submarine U "704" reports that one 7,000 GRT steamer
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CONFIDENTIA L
8 Aug. 1942
and one 4,000 GRT steamer in this convoy were torpedoed and 2
st earners totalling 15,000 GRT sunk. Other submarines reported
misses, and that they were driven off by escort forces.
Submarine U "254" reports 2 probable hits on 1 destroyer in the
North Atlantic (quadrant AE 7137) on 1 Aug.
Submarine U "508" reports 1 definite and 1 probable hit on a group
of vessels in the West Indies. From the same area, submarine
U "155" reports sinking a 9,000 GRT tanker in quadrant EO 61 and
the steamer DRACO (2,018 GRT) by gunfire.
Submarine U "109" of the South Atlantic group sank the armed tanker
ARTHUR W. SEWALL (6,030 GRT).
Thus definite sinkings alone totalled 40,048 GRT on that day.
For details see supplement to the submarine situation in War Diary,
Part B, Vol. IV.
VII. Aerial Warfare
i
1 . British Isles and Vicinity ;
Main targets. of our raids were Poole during the day and
Leeds at night.
During the night, small numbers of enemy planes flew over Jutland
and the Baltic Sea entrances as far as Kiel and Heide, evidently
with the purpose of dropping mines.
No bombs were dropped in the west area.
2. Mediterranean Theater ;
Our fighter attacks on Malta resulted in 3 enemy planes
shot down. 20 Me 109' s fought against 35 Curtiss planes. Our
fighter-bombers scored well-placed hits in their operations against
enemy motor vehicle concentrations in Alamein. On the night of
7 Aug. enemy planes carried out heavy raids on Tobruk and Marsa
Matruh.
For reconnaissance results in the eastern Mediterranean see Enemy
Situation, Mediterranean.
3. Eastern Front ;
Reconnaissance flights were carried out over the Black
Sea and the Sea of Azov, as well as over the Arctic Ocean. For
results see Enemy Situation, Black Sea and Arctic Ocean. A Ju 88
attacked an enemy mine sweeper off Lavansaari in the Gulf of
Finland. Effects were not observed.
-83-
CONFIDENTIAL
8 Aug. 1942
VIII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation. Mediterranean :
No reports have as yet been received concerning the
EAGLE task force. The radio intercept service reports that a
British plane dropoed depth charges on 1 submarine in the western
Mediterranean. A British submarine was sighted off Cape Vaticano.
German air reconnaissance reports that 1 mine sweeper was proceed-
ing with 6 small vessels on a northwesterly course off Valletta.
On 7 Aug. photographic reconnaissance located 2 cruisers, 5 des-
troyers, 3 escort vessels, 4 tankers, 8 steamers, and other vessels
in Beirut. Ship traffic observed in the Port Said area was light.
2. Own Situation. Mediterranean ;
Enemy air raids on Tripoli and Bardia, carried out on
the night of 7 Aug., failed to cause any damage. At dawn enemy
planes attacked the Italian landing craft which had entered Marsa
Matruh. 2 barges sank, while a third one suffered engine damage.
The main pier of Tobruk was completely destroyed in the air raid
on 6 Aug. The steamer ANKARA, loaded with German supplies, was
slightly damaged. On the basis of a communication received from
the Commanding General, Armed Forces South, the German Naval Command,
Italy reports that the air defenses of Tobruk have been reinforced
by a heavy battery and the air defenses of Marsa Matruh by a third
medium battery. The light half-battery in Bardia is to be rein-
forced by another half-battery. The question of air escort for
convoys proceeding to Tobruk and Marsa Matruh has been settled
with the Italian Air Force. Our planes can be used as reinforce-
ments.
Concerning the state of readiness of the naval forces under its
cormand, the German Naval Command, Italy reports as follows:
a. 3rd PT Boat Flotilla:
2 boat 8 ready for action in Marsa Matruh
2 in Su1a, 4 in Augusta. Out of Com-
mission: 4 boats
6th Motor Mine Sweeper
Flotilla:
c. 2nd Landing Flotilla:
4 boats ready for action in North Africa,
2 boats out of commission, 1 boat was
lost. Attempts are being made to sal-
vage the 8th boat in Bardia.
Of the 35 landing craft completed, 10
have been lost, 3 are in repair, 6 are
being brought back for complete over-
haul, and 5 are being equipped. 11
barges are in North Africa, all ready
for action.
In view of the increasing damage to these vessels, the German Naval
Command, Italy declares that it is urgently necessary to provide
light armor elating for engines, guns, and command stations, as
proved effective in the area of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses,
'Test.
The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division will act on the matter.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa :
Transport of supplies from Italy and Greece to North
Africa and along the North African coast proceeded according to
#
-84-
CONFIDENTIAL
8 Aug. 1942
plan, with no incidents to report. For details see Telegram 1230.
4. ' Area Naval Group South ;
Aegean Sea ;
The submarine chase brought no results. In connection
with' tlfe loss of the steamer WACHTFELS, Group South transmitted as
preliminary information the report from the Admiral, Aegean Sea,
whom the Commanding General, Armed Forces, South had also asked for
a statement on this matter; according to this report, someone on
the staff of the Admiral, Aegean Sea was responsible for neglecting
to obtain the necessary air escort for the convoy. A court-martial
investigation has been ordered. For details see Telegram 2045.
Convoy operations proceeded according to plan.
Black Sea :
Enemy Situation ;
German air reconnaissance observed a small number of ships
in the harbor and moderate traffic along the southeast coast of the
Sea of Azov moving generally toward the south. Movements of small
southbound vessels were also observed in the Kerch Strait, and light
traffic was observed in the Novoroesisk-Tuapse area.
Own Situation :
On 7 Aug., a submarine unsuccessfully attacked a south-
bound convoy north of Sulina. Submarine chasers have been sent
into action. On 6 Aug., a detonation was observed in our anti-
submarine barrage southeast of Balcik.
On the night of 7 Aug. another 12 landing craft passed through the
Kerch Strait toward the north without making contact with the enemy.
The last breakthrough, with 3 landing craft, is set for the night
of 8 Aug.
On the night of 7 Aug. 3 Italian submarine chasers took up their
positions in the patrol line south of Cape Opuk in order to pro-,
tect the break-through of the landing craft-.
On the afternoon of 7 Aug. 4 boats of the 1st PT Boat Flotilla de-
parted from Tuapse into their area of operations.
5. Special Items :
The Naval Staff Operations Division informs the Naval
Staff Quartermaster Division of its opinion on the tasks of the
Nikolayev shipyard as planned by the Naval Construction Division
( see War Diary 3 Aug.).
For copy l/Skl I a 19013/42 Gkdos. in War Diary, Part C, Vol. XIV a.
-85-
CONFIDENTIAL
8 Aug. 1942
IX. Situation East Asia
Nothing to report.
X. Army Situation
1. Russian Front ;
Army Group A ;
Parts of a Rumanian division are fighting for the pos-
session of Yeisk.
The German and Rumanian forces pushing toward the south reached the
region of Angeliskaya on their advance along the railway line to
Krimskaya. The troops advancing toward Krasnodar broke through the
strong fortifications and the anti-tank ditch 25 km north of Krasnodar m
are now engaged in a fight with strong enemy defense forces. Ad- ~
vance detachments of the 13th Panzer Army are 8 km from Maikop.
East of this point, 1 motorized division crossed the Laba River. 2
panzer divisions pushing southeast from the Voroshilovsk area have
reached the area of Aleksandrovskoye and the area west of Pyatigorsk
without making contact with the enemy. An infantry division is
advancing on both sides of the Sal River from Remontnaya toward the
east.
Army Group B :
The XLVIII Panzer Corps is engaged in a fierce battle
south of 8talingrad where the enemy is constantly getting rein-
forcements. The enemy forces west of Kalach are being cut off with
increasing effect. Outside the Italian positions in the Baskovski
area the enemy succeeded in crossing the Don River. West of Svoboda,
Hungarian units are fighting with armored enemy forces at the Don
River.
Central Army Group ;
Stubborn fighting in the vicinity of Rzhev continues. fl
The enemy succeeded in gaining ground on bo.th flanks of the point
of penetration. New German forces launohed a counterattack.
Northern Army Group ;
Enemy troops made unsuccessful attacks near Kholra, at
the land bridge southeast of Staraya Russa, and near Soltsy.
2. Finnish Front :
Enemy attacks northwest of Leningrad were repulsed.
Finnish artillery attacked enemy assembly positions on the Svir
front and near Povlents.
An enemy attack is expected on the Loukhi front.
3. North Africa ;
So far no report has been received.
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CONFIDENTIAL
8 Aug. 1942
4. Speolal Item :
For the report of the Naval Liaison Officer with the Army
General Staff made to the Chief of Staff, Naval Staff containing
information on the Army situation on 8 Aug. see File "Barbarossa".
*************************
-87-
CONFIDE:: HAL '
9 Aug, I9I42
Sunday
Items of Political Importance
The United Press reports that the purpose of the Moscow confer-
ence is to work out a joint strategic plan, pointing out that
there "are 11 different Allied high commands as contrasted with
the tight organization of the German Armed Fo.-ces. According to
another United Press report, General Bradley is negotiating about
increased plane deliveries. He is said to have declared that
the problem of the second front does not come under his authority.
U.S.A. :
The Navy Department published a report on the Amerio-an conduct
of the war and on war production during the first 8 months. So
far, American industrial production is considered unsatisfactory.
luost urgently needed are small naval forces, designed to cope
with the submarine menace. During the first 6 months ship losses
exceeded the number of nev.ly built ships; at present, however,
the losses have decreased and the number of new ships has grown.
India :
Eeuter reports that the All -India Congress Committee has passed
the freedom resolution of the working committee. On 9 Aug. the
British Government in India had Gandhi and other Indian Congress
leaders arrested in Bombay. At the same time, it authorized the
governments of the provinces to suspend the authority of the
local agencies throughout the entire country whenever they con-
sider such a measure necessary for the maintenance of peace and
order. This confirms the previously expressed assumption that
the British Government is determined to keeo the situation in
India under control by applying the strongest measures.
Japan ;
A report from Japanese Headquarters about a major engagement
between the Allied and Japanese naval forces off the Solomon
Islands indicates that the Allies, particularly the Americans,
are making an attempt to obiain control of. the strategically
important points in the South Pacific in order to protect their
sea routes to Australia and Australia herself. For details
see Situation East Asia.
Special Items ;
I. In a detailed situation report, the Naval Staff Operations
Division expressed its views about pocket battleship operations
in foreign waters during the coining winter. The report comes to
the conclusion that the prospect of success for operations in the
South Atlantic, South Pacific and possibly in the Indian Ocean
is as good as before June 19i|l when the SCIIEEK carried out her
first successful operation. In addition to the expected sinkings,
the appearance of a pocket battleship will force the enemy to take
much stronger defense measures than at present. Consequently he
will withdraw forces from other theaters, if he feels that he can
do so. In view of the present over-all situation, the Naval Staff
-88-
CONFIDENTIAL
9 Aug . 191+2
rates the indirect effects of the appearance of a pocket battle-
ship in foreign waters extremely high. Actually, only in the
South Atlantic would an operation be feasitle during the short'
period of 2 months available, but this period would be sufficient
for giving the pocket battleship the chance to operate effectively
in all areas of the South Atlantic. Enemy countermeasures will
not have to be taken into account before approximately one month.
If the enemy is tied up at other points simultaneous ly, his counter-
measures will be correspondingly weaker. The problem of supplying
the pocket battleships will not present any particular difficulties
since ample experience and means are available. However, the
conditions for the breakthrough and return have become more difficult.
The good chances of success in the operations area compensate
for the risk involved.
The Naval Staff Operations Division, Operations Branch therefore
suggests that the SCKEER operate in the South Atlantic from mid-
November lQl+2 to end of March I9U3 . See l/Skl I k/l op II45I4.A2
Gkdos. Chefs, in War Diary, Part C, Vol. I.
II. Certain difficulties have arisen between the German and
Italian Navies concerning the courses for the vessels carrying
home Italian citizens from East Africa in connection with the
minefields laid by the DOGGERbANK on the Agulhas bank. Disregard
of the German wishes concerning these courses has largely contri-
outed to promoting the British plan for using the Italian repatria-
tion ships indirectly as mine sweepers. For copy see l/Skl I k
II7I1/I4.2 Gkdos. Chefs, in Y;ar Diary, Part C, Vol. I. The telegrams
sxchanged on this subject between the Germans and the Italians
Trom Jl Mar. to 28 Jun., as well as a map, are appended.
til. The Minister of Armament and Ya'ar Production reported to the
Var Economy Branch of the Naval Ordnance Division that during the
jonferences on 2J, 2l\ and 25 Jul. the Fuehrer declared that,
3ven when the operations in the East are successfully concluded,
production of Army equipment must continue on the same footing
as that of the Air Force because future operations require this.
Cn addition, the Fuehrer has decided that the merchant ships
3cheduled for construction should be equipped with derricks that
3an lift as much as 65 tons. The Fuehrer will not compromise on
this demand.
IV. In the conference between the Naval Staff Submarine Division,
the Naval Construction Division, the Executive Office of the
Commander in Chief, Navy, and Mr. Walter concluded on 16 Jul.
it was decided that constructing the type V 300 submarine would
not provide a submarine suited for the Atlantic any sooner than
building the small boats type VvA 201 now, and immediately after-
wards designing a large boat. This large boat, designated as
V 3°1» would be 800 tons, have a surface range of 7,000 to
8,000 miles, a surface speed of 15 knots, submerged speed of 26
to 27 knots, would be armed with J4. tubes at the bow, and carry
16 torpedoes. The complete design would take about li months,
after which it would have to be decided .whether to build such a
submarine. According to Mr. Walter, 2 WA 201 submarines will be
completed by 1 Sep. 19^3« The Navy could take them over in the
spring of I9I4J4..
-89-
CONE IDENTIAL
9 Aug. 19U2
Situation 9 Aug. 19^2
I. Y<ar in foreign '..aters
1. Enemy Situation :
In the afternoon radio intelligence intercepted 2 QQQ
messeges from the British steamer DALHOUSIE (7,022 GET) reporting
that a suspicious vessel fired on her at 20° S,25° W.
It is highly probable that our auxiliary cruisers
are involved.
According to an Intelligence report, on 6 Aug. at I72O an aircraft
carrier was proceeding at a speed of approximately 20 knots on a
northerly course I4. miles off Port Etienne (French West Africa).
Another intelligence report states that on 5 Aug. a reliable agent
observed 5 British warships proceeding northward after their de-
parture from Funchal.
According to the same report, the Irish steamer CITY OP DUBLIN
loaded 2,000 barrels of fish oil in Lisbon supposedly for
Eire but actually destined for England.
The Foreign Office reports that the Portuguese steamer SAN &HGT7EL
is scheduled to depart from Baltimore at 1000.
Independent of the Foreign Office communication,
the Naval Attache informed the Portuguese Govern-
ment on 5 Aug. about the safe courses in the
Chesapeake Bay.
2 . Own Situation :
On £ Aug. at 2316 ship "23" reported that she had
transferred her operations area to the large quadrant FE. She
also confirmed by a "yes" that she still wants the 2 Ar I96
planes (see Y.ar Diary 29 Jul.). The Naval Staff confirmed
the message via Radiogram 0039»
At O3I7 ship "28" reported meeting ship "23" in quadrant GD 22*
The Naval Staff confirmed the message via Radiograms 0612 and
1555. In the latter, the Naval Staff states that it assumes that
the two ships coordinated their further operations and are now
en route to their new operations areas.
The Naval Staff approves the transfer of the operations varea
into large quadrant FE as reported by ship "23", assuming that
arrangements were made with ship "28" in case the boundaries of
the operations area are crossed. Ship "23" is being informed
accordingly via Radiogram lo22, and at the same time her attention
is called to the fact that the submarine operations area was ex-
tended until 16 Aug., and that German submarines are at present
operating in that area. The demand for .planes will be examined.
However, it is no longer possible to send the planes on the
auxiliary supply ship PASSAT assigned to ship "23".
Since ship "23" failed to repeat the garbled short signal as
requested in Radiogram 1217 on 8 Aug., the Naval Staff assumes
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9 Aug. 19^2
that its Interpretation of the text of the short signal (see
War Diary £ Aug.) was correct and that no further reply is to be
expected.
Ships "23" and "28" are notified of the Q^Q messages sent out
by the steamer DALHOUSIE and asked which of the two auxiliary cruisers
was involved (see Radiogram 2200).
Via Radiogram 2001 the blockade -runner UCKU'RMAKK is Informed
about ships, the names of which could be used for camouflage pur-
poses.
The German Naval Command, Italy informs the Commanding Admiral,
Submarines and the Air Commander, Atlantic Coast, with copy to
the Naval Staff Operations Division, about the positions of the
Italian repatriation ships ARCOLA and TAIGETE on 8 Aug. at noon.
Via Radiogram 2157 a ll vessels in foreign waters are informed
about the announcement of the Japanese Navy of 7 Aug. concerning
the successes scored in the engagement between the Japanese fleet
and the Anglo-American fleet off the Solomon Islands on 7 Aug.,
as well as about enemy convoy movements in the South Atlantic
during June and July.
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy • Si tuat I on ;
4
Air reconnaissance located II4. steamers lying in The.
Solent. At the same time it spotted a force of 6 destroyers
and probably a light cruiser on southerly course off Selsey
Bill. 8 to 10 steamers were observed lying off Portland.
2. Own Situation ;
Atlantic Coast ;
3 ground mines were swept off Lorient and in the
Gironde estuary.
Group West ordered blockade-runner UCKERMARK to depart on 9 Aug.
Channel Coast ;
Torpedo boat T "I)." is scheduled to transfer from St.
L.alo to La Pallice during the night of 9 Aug. During the night
of 8 Aug. a patrol vessel and accompanying forces made contact
with British motor gun boats off Calais. 2 vessels of the
harbor defense flotilla of Boulogne took part in the engagement.
Several direct hits were observed on the enemy vessels. Our
forces were missed by 3 torpedoes.
For brief report of the harbor defense flotilla of Boulogne and
the battle report of the 2nd Coast Patrol Force see Telegrams
1715 and 19^5.
In the afternoon several enemy fighter groups flew over the Belgian
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9 Aug. l^lj.2
and Trench coasts. The battery "Schuette" fired on 30 Spitfires.
I ll, North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea :
Energy Situation :
Air reconnaissance reports that in the evening 10 to
15 steamers arrived at Newcastle. 15 southeastbound steamers
were sighted off Flamborough Head.
Own Situation :
1| ground mines were swept off the Dutch coast and in
the vicinity of the Frisian Islands. Towing attempts were unsuc-
cessful and the Swedish steamer SIGYS s&nk as a result of a mine
hit off Den Helder. The transfer of the catapult ship SCHV.AEENLAND
from Flushing to Rotterdam is completed. In the afternoon an
enemy plane flew a reconnaissance mission over the German Bight
as far as Kiel and returned via Esbjerg. IZnemy planes yjsre very
active in the area of the Admiral, Netherlands. Naval anti-air-
craft guns shot down 2 planes,
2 . Norway, Arctic Ocean :
Bneny Situation :
According to intelligence reports from Switzerland sent
in the beginning and toward the middle of July, there is again
talk about British and American operations planned in northern
Norway. On the other hand, no commando raids will be undertaken
in the west area for the time being. According to a statement
by a British air attache, the British High Command wants to be
firmly established in northern Norway by fall.
Radio intelligence reports that 2 British vessels were between
the southern outlet of the Gorlo Strait and Archangel. Air
reconnaissance over the Arctic Ocean failed to yield results.
The submarines have so far likewise failed to reestatlish contact
with convoy P^ 18.
Own Situation :
Artillery fire directed from the Rybachi Peninsula against
a picket boat on 7 Aug. was ineffective. On the afternoon of o Aug.
an enemy submarine unsuccessfully attacked a westbound convoy with
2 torpedoes, uecause of poor visibility, the Naval Shore Coomand
Kristiansand South ordered a first-degree alert for its area. The
patrol vessel TAIFUN sank off Lerwik as a result of a collision
with a Norwegian steamer.
Group North ordered execution of operation "Eiche" for 10 Aug.
Vsith regard to convoy P^ 18, Group North fully approves the measures
taken by the Admiral, Arctic Ocean for submarine attacks. Group
North is entirely convinced that the observations by submarine
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9 Aug. 19i|2
U "i|05", which are the only evidence so far that convoy P^ 16
is en route, are correct. Unless further sighting reports
are received, Group North recommends that the patrol line be
gradually shifted toward the east.
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation :
A Finnish report states that I4. Russian destroyers are
in Kronstadt ready for action.
2. Own Situation :
In the area of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, Baltic
Sea a total of 3 ground mines were swept west of Samsoe and off
Schleimuende. All other operations proceeded according to plan.
In the area of the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea, submarine
patrol, mine-sweeping, and convoy operations proceeied as scheduled,
with no incidents to report.
For attempts on the part of Group North to have the Admiral,
Amphibious Forces furnish 3 heavy guncarriers for the Commander,
Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea without being given the requested motor
mine sweepers as replacements see Telegrams 12^5 and 2136.
The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division has -taken
up the matter.
For orders by the Ministry of Transportation concerning compulsory
escort for ships carrying personnel on leave see Telegram 1325*
V. Submarine V.arfnre
1. Enemy Situation :
Reconnaissance in the North Atlantic reported the presence
of submarines 3OQ miles south of Reykjanes and 3?0 miles west of
Rockall Bank. British vessels were sighted 180 miles northwest
of Porcupine Bank and ISO miles northwest of the northern outlet
of the North Channel. Reconnaissance activity in the southern
rendezvous area was particularly lively in the Bay of Biscay. 1
submarine was attacked I50 miles northwest of Cape Villano and is
presumed to have been hit twice.
Another submarine was sighted proceeding on a westerly course
200 miles north of Cape Ortegal. Half an hour later a British
vessel was located in the same area.
According to an Italian report from an allegedly reliable source,
on 1 Aug. a large convoy of 5 passenger steamers and 20 freighters
under heavy escort consisting of 1 aircraft carrier, presumably
of the ILLUSTRIOUS class, 5 cruisers, and 12 destroyers, with
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9 Aug. 191+2
25,000 men aboard, departed. irom Freetown for Egypt.
In addition to several submarine sighting reports off the American
east coast and in the '.Vest Indies area, reports about submarine
attacks were intercepted from the area northeast of Georgetown.
2. Own Situation ;
No incidents of importance occurred in the Arctic Ocean.
In the North Atlantic, submarine D "]i+6" sank an Immobile 7,000
CRT steamer from the convoy in quadrant AK. Submarine U "595"
probably torpedoed a destroyer. After 2000, strong enemy air
escort broke off the contact between the submarine and the convoy.
The operation is being continued.
*o
From the American coast, submarine U "09" reports execution of
the mine operation off Jacksonville according to plan. For the
time being, the submarine tanker U "I+63" is supplying the sub-
marines as planned.
Submarines in the West Indies area were informed that Georgetown
is probably a refuelling station for convoys running between New
York and Freetown. Of the submarines 'operating in the South
Atlantic, submarine U "I30" reported sinking the tanker MALMANGER
(7,07g GET) in quadrant ES 51J+J+.
Of the 3 submarines sent Into action in the western Mediterranean
according to a Naval Staff directive, submarine U "331" must be
withdrawn to Spezia on account of damage from aircraft bombs.
Submarines U "73" and "205" were ordered to occupy the northern
and southern halves of quadrant CH $1,
For further details see supplement to submarine situation In War
Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
3« Special Items ;
a. The directive concerning submarine attacks on
route "Anton" (see War Diary 6 Aug.) has been changed on account
of the departure of the UCKERIvIARK to the effect that attacks are
prohibited north of 20° N effective immediately, and south of 20° N
effective on ll+ Aug. The Commanding Admiral, Submarines and Group
West are requested to take the necessary measures (see Telegram
I63D
b. The measures stipulated by the Naval Staff in agree-
ment with Group West and the Commanding Admiral, Submarines for
protecting in and outbound blockade-runners are for the first
time being applied for the departure of the UCKFRMARK, In and
outbound submarines are ordered to keep track of the route of the
blockade-runner in order to be ready to render immediate aid if
necessary.
c
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9 Aug. 19)4.2
VI. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity :
During the day, fighter -bomber attacks were made on the
coastal area of England, in addition to reconnaissance missions.
On the night of 9 Aug. a considerable number of planes raided
Brighton, and a few planes attacked industrial targets.
On the night of 9 Aug. there were li|0 to 160 enemy incursions,
80 to 100 of them into Reich territory, concentrating on Osnabrueck.
5 planes were shot down. For an account of the considerable damage
see daily situation report. On the evening of 9 Aug. enemy planes
attacked the Duesseldorf area without causing any particular damage.
2. Mediterranean Theater :
A major attack was carried out on enemy strongpoints
in the ^attara Depression. At the central sector of the front the
Panzer Army was relieved by fighter -bomber raids on enemy motor
vehicle concentrations. Free-lance fighter patrols, reconnaissance,
and harbor defense missions failed to yield results. Fighter thrusts
against Malta were also unsuccessful. For reconnaissance results
from the eastern Mediterranean see Enemy Situation, Mediterranean.
3» Eastern Front :
The Black Sea and Sea of Azov harbors were thoroughly
reconnoitered. , During the air raid on Tuapse one i|.,000 GRT steamer
was sunk and 2 small steamers were damaged.
In the Arctic area, bombs were dropped with observed effect on
enemy assembly positions at the Kandalaksha sector.
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
According to an intelligence report from Spain, lively
westbound traffic was observed in the Strait of Gibraltar on the
night of 8 Aug. A large vessel, either an aircraft carrier or a
transport, is assumed to be among the ships. On the same night
several vessels are. reported to have entered and 6 to have left
Gibraltar. In the morning, the number of ships in the harbor
was approximately the same as before. In the afternoon 3 destroyers
arrived from the west. An Italian source reports that on the
night of 9 Aug. some 2I4. vessels, with their lights dimmed, entered
the Strait of Gibraltar from the west.
The number of ships in Valletta was unchanged. Photographs of
harbors in the eastern Mediterranean also failed to show anything
unusual. A few merchant vessels were observed moving through
the Suez Canal.
1 cruiser of the SOUTHAMPTON class, 5 destroyers, 1 repair ship,
1 passenger steamer, 32 steamers, and Ij. tankers were sighted in
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9 Aug. 19U2
the Suez roadstead. Air reconnaissance observed lively submarine
activity in the whole Mediterranean area.
2. , Own Situation, Mediterranean ;
1
During the night of 7 Aug. enemy planes raided Tobruk
and*Karsa Matruh without causing any damage. During the night
of 8 Aug. aerial mines were dropped in Marsa Matruh. 2 undamaged
mines of an unknown type were recovered. Since the mines might
be equipped with combined magnetic and acoustic firing devices,
it was requested that an expert be sent to examine them. The
Mine-Laying Experimental Command will take the necessary steps.
On 7 and 8 Aug. submarines unsuccessfully attacked the steamer
ISTRIA with torpedoes in a convoy en route from Benghazi to
Navarino, and the unescorted steamer AMBA ALAGI off the Canary
Islands. In the night of 8 Aug. one of the submarines fired on
a coastal railway in the Canary Islands. Italian subchasers
have been sent into action. During the enemy air raid. on Benghazi
on 9 Aug. the steamers GIULIANA and OSTIA, as well as the quay, *
suffered damage. 1
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa ;
Transport operations proceeded as planned without any
incidents.
I|. # Area Naval Group South ;
Aegean Sea ;
1 submarine was observed east of Naxos and another
one north of Crete. 'Submarine chase, which so far has been
unsuccessful, is being continued.
The ban on Spanish and Turkish shipping was lifted for escorted
convoys effective immediately and for ships not carrying troops
effective 11 Aug. The ban in the Aegean Sea continues in force
for troop transports and unescorted small vessels.
Black Sea ;
Enemy Situation ;
Reconnaissance of harbors in the Black Sea and the Sea
of Azov, as well as in the Caspian Sea and on the Volga River,
failed to yield results. I4J4. lighters, 8 tugs, and 12 paddle steamers,
as well as 2 ferries, were spotted in Stalingrad. A southbound
convoy was observed north of Tuapse.
Own Situation ;
The 1st PT Boat Flotilla operating some 15 miles
southeast of Tuapse during the night of 8 Aug. failed to sight
any suitable targets. Only patrol vessel and subchaser operations
were observed. On its way back, the flotilla dropped depth charges
against a submarine some 60 miles south of the Kerch Strait with-
out being able to observe the effect. Motor mine sweepers have
checked the outward route from Ivanbaba. The last 3 landing craft
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9 Aug. loi+2
are to be escorted through the Kerch Strait into the Sea of Azov
by 3 motor mine sweepers with air support in the night of 9 Aug.
An Italian subchaser group will be stationed south of Cape Opuk
for protection. On the same night, 1 force of 2 PT boats is
being sent into action against Russian ship movements- along the
Caucasian coast off Novorossisk and another one against vessels
off Tuapse. On 8 Aug. the Admiral, Black Sea transferred his
headquarters from Kerch back to lvanbaba. Mine-sweeping and -
convoy operations proceeded according to plan without incidents.
VIII. Situation East Asia
The Japanese Naval Attache reports that' on 7 Aug. the Japanese
fleet again attacked the Anglo-American fleet in the Solomon Islands
area.
The following ships were sunk :
1 battleship (class unknown)
2 heavy cruisers (ASTORIA class)
2 heavy cruisers (AUSTRALIA class)
more than 3 light cruisers
more than 4 destroyers
more than 10 transports.
The following ships were damaged ;
3 heavy cruisers (MINNEAPOLIS class)
more than 2 destroyers
more than 1 transport.
The Air Force shot down ;
more than 32 enemy fighters
more than 9 fighter-bombers.
Japanese losses ;
7 planes destroyed
2 cruisers damaged (still maneuverable) .
No further news has been received since. The German Admiral
in Tokyo has not yet reported on this battle.
Enemy reports on the engagement are not yet available. The
Communication from the Japanese Naval Attache was transmitted
to the Naval Representative of the Armed Forces High Command
Operations Staff and to the Naval Liaison Officer with the Army
High Command.
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9 Aug. I9I4.2
IX. Army Situation
1. Russian Front ;
Army Group A ;
After a brief fight, Rumanian troops occupied Yeisk.'
After crossing the enemy's anti-tank ditch, our troops took the
western part of the city of Krasnodar! Other Army forces pene-
trated into the town from the east ana the north, and towrrd noon
the town was in our possession. In the afternoon, the 13th Panzer
Division launched an attack on i.iaikop and penetrated into the
city during the evening. South of Maikop other troops are advancing
westward toward the Byelaya River. Parts of a panzer division
pushing southeast have reached the area north of Essentuki. Our
forces crossed the undamaged bridge north of Pyatigorsk. The
Kuma River has been reached. The divisions advancing from Salsk
in easterly direction reached Klayevka and Kopanski .
Army Group B ;
1
On the southern Wing of the Army Group, parts of a
division are engaged in a fight against weak enemy forces near
Sirotski on the Sal River. South of Stalingrad, new forces
brought up by the enemy are putting up a stiff defense against
the German and Rumanian units advancing from the south. Desperate
attempts by the enemy to break out of the pocket west of Kalach
were repulsed. The situation at the Italian division has been
restored through intervention of tfre 22nd Panzer Division. East
of Svoboda, the Russians succeeded in reaching the western bank
of the Don River and pushing back the Hungarian forces. Enemy
pressure north of Voronezh continues.
Central Army Group ;
All attacks by constantly reinforced enemy troops aiming
at an extension of the point of penetration near Rzhev were re-
pulsed. Enemy attacks north of Rzhev and southwest of Byeloi were
likewise repulsed.
Northern Army Group :
Enemy attacks on the land bridge from the north and the
south were beaten off. Brisk combat activity is reported south
of Soltsy.
2. Finnish Front r
An enemy attack north of Leningrad was repulsed. In
the Ukhta area, forest fires caused by our incendiary shells
destroyed enemy positions and minefields. On the northeastern
front, an enemy attack north of Alakurtti was repulsed,
3. ^ ; orth Africa :
Some patrol, artillery, and plane activity is reported.
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10 Aug. 1942
Items of, Political Importance
The Allied conferences in Moscow are being widely discussed. Authentic
reports, however, are not available. The U.S. Ambassador in Ankara has*
denied the reports about his trip to Moscow.
Great Britain ;
Labour Minister Bevin has called upon workers in the building industry
to erect huge camps and depots for the American ground and air forces,
airfields, and harbor installations. This project is to have priority
over all public and municipal projects.
The Irish Times estimates the tonnage needed for an invasion of the Con-
tinent at 2,000,000 tons which, however, are not available for this pur-
pose. The greatest problem is that of air superiority. Sooner or later,
a second front will be established.
Noted British and American newspapers deplore the lack of a unified
high command for the' West, which results in a lack of the necessary co-
ordination both in armament and strategy.
Concerning the shipping problem , the Dally Mirror states that the Allies
share Admiral Pricke's opinion that the battle on the seven seas will
be the most decisive one of the war; the Allies are unfortunately not
acting accordingly. To counter German submarines only by building new
ships is the equivalent of providing the submarines with "sure prey".
A special article by Crumley in the Dally Express takes a very serious
view of the shipping crisis. The Allied tonnage deficit already amounts
to 12,000,000 tons. Any hopes for eliminating the submarine menace are
generally considered madness.
These pessimistic statements must be taken with a grain
of salt. They consciously serve the purpose of mobiliz-
ing all forces for defense. Undoubtedly, the authorit-
ative Allied circles have never ceased to believe that
danger arising from the critical shipping situation can
be overcome.
India ;
The leader of the Moslems Issued a declaration condemning the Congress
resolution and called upon his followers to stay out of any mass move-
ment.
The domestic situation in India as such is not necessarily
confronting the British with an insoluble problem, seeing
that they have sufficient military and political forces
at their disposal to retain control of the situation.
Only the incalculable consequences which would follow
active intervention by Japan make the present develop-
ments appear more critical than ever before.
Turkey ;
A French source reports that the Turco-Syrian frontier, which was closed
on 7 Aug., has been reopened.
A report from a Bulgarian source states that the British and U.S. Am-
bassadors in Ankara have undertaken certain steps with the Turkish Govern-
ment with regard to the Russian fleet in the Black Sea.
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10 Aug. 1942
Uruguay ;
The Urugi
test aga:
retaliatory measures,
The Uruguayan Government has lodged with the German Government a pro-
test against the sinking of the steamer MALDONADO and has announced
Conference on the Situation with the Chief, Naval Staff
I. The Italian Admiral at the Naval Staff communicates that in case
of an alarm the Italians intend to lay mines with timing device set
for 48 hours in the French territorial waters off Cape Bon. The Naval
Staff welcomes this intention but will suggest to the Italian Admiralty
that the mines be set for a longer period than 48 hours.
II. The African Panzer Army has been placed directly under the Italian
High Command. Thus it is no longer, as heretofore, under the Italian
Commander in Chief of the African Forces, General Bastico, who has been
promoted to the rank of Marshal of Italy.
III. The Naval Liaison Officer to the Air Force Operations Staff re-
ports as follows:
1. The regulation according to which plane crews are to be
awarded bonuses payable after the war for sinking large warships is
still in force.
2. All airfields situated near the coast in the west area are
to be developed as bases.
3. Daylight raids on the Reich area are made from very high
altitudes (6,000 to .10,000 meters). At such altitudes, planes can be
located practically only by instruments, seldom by sound, and never by
sight.
The Air Force Operations Staff believes that the heavy air raids
carried out by the enemy at night and the nuisance raids made during
the daytime are tying up his forces to a very large extent. The fact
that heavy raids are being made on the Reich area lead, therefore, to
the conclusion that simultaneous landing operations are not intended.
15 of the 60 German bombers which flew over Birmingham on the night
of 29 Jul. were lost. The crews withdrawn from the East are not yet
adequately trained for attacks on the interior of England. The air
raids on Birmingham have so far resulted in the loss of an entire
bomber group.
4. On 4 Aug., effective immediately, the 2nd Group of the 26th
Bomber Wing (torpedo planes) was transferred from western France to
the area of northern Norway for an attack on convoy PQ 18. The Air
Force Operations Staff presumes that in case of poor visibility the
British will use parts of their bomber formations for dropping aerial
mines.
IV. The Italian Admiral at the Naval Staff requested authoriza-
tion for his inspection tour of the Norwegian bases and defense in-
stallations. The Naval Staff has set up a schedule for a 9 day tour
beginning on 21 Aug. It is planned to make available a warship for
the voyage from Trondheim to Narvik. The Chief, Naval Staff agrees.
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CONFIDENTIAL
10 Aug. 1942
V. The Chief, Naval Staff Communications Division reports on anti-
radar devices to be used on submarines and PT boats operating in the
Channel. The Chief, Naval Staff Quartermaster Division will demon-
strate these devices, as well as the radar decoy balloons, to the
Fuehrer some time soon.
VI. The Chief, Naval Intelligence Division reports on rumors con-
cerning the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which are suddently appearing.
His advice is to distrust the rumors to the effect that the Russian
fleet is giving up.
In a Very Restricted Circle t
VII. Report by the Chief, Operations Branch, Naval Staff Operations
Division:
1. Fog in the Arctic Ocean has so far prevented our forces
from reestablishing contact with convoy FQ 18. The data reported by
submarine U "405" cannot be doubted. Group North considers it un-
likely that convoy PQ 18 has already passed through the longitude of
Spitsbergen. Both the Naval Staff and Group North consider It un-
likely that the submarine might have sighted a decoy convoy. Most
probably the convoy was badly 'delayed by the fog. Group North con-
siders it very likely that the convoy will pass through the HInlopen
Strait and the Olga Strait. The Group asked the 5th Air Force to
carry out the necessary reconnaissance and patrol operations. The
Increased number of radio messages exchanged between Archangel and
Murmansk may indicate the departure of the QP convoy.
Following up a telephone conversation between the Chief of Staff, Na-
val Staff and the Commanding Admiral, Group North, the latter asked
that the following operation undrr the command of the Admiral, Arctic
Ocean,, be considered, in case convoy PQ 18 is located east of Bear
Island within the range of our destroyers, and no definite informa-
tion about the positions of its heavy escort forces is available:
a. The HIPPER and the SCHEER, together with approximately 5
destroyers, would make a thrust through the North Cape area in north-
easterly to easterly direction.
b. The SCHEER would then be dispatched around in back of the
convoy for operation "Wunderland".
c. The HIPPER, together with the destroyers, would search for
convoy PQ 18 and attack it in the right half of large quadrant AC,
avoiding any serious engagement if possible. The ships would then
return to northern Norway. The TIRPITZ, the KOELN, and 2 destroyers
would remain In Narvik ready for action.
2. Re: Operation by the SCHEER in the Kara Sea.
On the basis of the evaluation of the Russian direction-
finding service in the Kara Sea, Group North directed the Admiral,
Arctic Ocean on 2 Aug. to start the first part of the operation in
the eastern Barents Sea and in the Kara Sea 'as soon as possible. The
second part is scheduled to be executed after the operation against
convoy PQ 18. The code name for the SCHEER mission is "Wunderland".
On 7 Aug. Group North communicated to the Admiral, Arctic Ocean the
information from the Naval Staff about the Russian convoy from
Petropavlovsk which is expected to arrive in the Kara Sea toward the
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CONFIDENTIAL
10 Aug. 1942
middle of August. The date for operation "Wunderland" depends on
the operation against convoy PQ 18 and on the enemy situation in
general. Efforts should be made to execute the operation at a time
when the traffic on the northern route and in the Kara Sea is
assumed to be at its heaviest. For this reason, if operation
"Eispalast" is carried out provision should be made for sending the
SCHEER directly from the operations area. If operation "Eispalast"
is not carried out, it is planned to send the SCHEER as soon as this
becomes evident and a clear picture of the enemy forces is available.
The special steam trawlers will not participate in the operation.
The Admiral, Arctic Ocean is to return them at once to the Command-
ing Admiral, Norway. Instead, submarines are to be stationed at the
western outlet of the Matochkln Shar and the Kara Strait, if neces-
sary also the Yugor Strait and the northern tip of Novaya Zemlya by
15 Aug., if the situation with regard to convoy PQ 18 is such that
the necessary submarines can be spared.
The SCHEER' s main task is to attack enemy ships in the Kara Sea. If
necessary, the cruiser should withdraw to the west and to the
northern route until worthwhile attack targets have been reported.
The entire operation is to take 10 to 12 days. Unless some worth-
while target appears, the attacks are to be directed against ships
moving through the northern route and the Yugor Strait toward the
harbors of eastern and northern Siberia. These attacks should in-
clude destruction of the harbor installations in Amderma by gunfire
and annihilation of any fishing flotillas met en route. The captain
of the cruiser is free to extend the operation as far as the Yenisei
estuary.
The moment the enemy notices the SCHEER, the operation should be
stopped and the SCHEER should turn back at top speed. The restric-
tions included in the orders for operation "Roesselsprung" apply also
to the operation by the SCHEER. The operational command rests with
the Admiral, Arctic Ocean, the tactical command with the captain of
the SCHEER. Operation "Wunderland" is to be started after consulta-
tion with Group North. The same applies to air reconnaissance and
patrol. The Admiral, Arctic Ocean will take care of the fighter
protection and close escort on the way to and from the operations
area. Group North has requested the 5th Air Force to comply with the
requests of the Admiral, Arctic Ocean to the greatest possible ex-
tent.
3. A further report by the Chief, Operations Branch, Naval
Staff Operations Division deals with plans for a submarine opera-
tion off Capetown as recorded in War Diary 7 Aug.
The Chief, Naval Staff expresses his agreement and orders that the
necessity to observe complete radio silence be explicitly mentioned.
4. For the report by the Chief, Operations Branch, Naval
Staff Operations Division concerning the rendezvous of the auxiliary
cruisers n 23" and "28" see War Diary 8 and 9 Aug.
The Chief, Naval Staff agrees with the Naval Staff's proposal to
award decorations to the prize crews of the auxiliary cruisers as
mentioned in Radiogram 1954 to ship "10".
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10 Aug. 1942
VIII. Palling to recognize the actual conditions, the command of the
African Panzer Army informed the Armed Forces High Command Operations
Staff that the daily unloading rate in Tobruk is insufficient, imply-
ing that the Navy is to be blamed for this situation. As suggested
by-th» Naval Representative on the Armed Forces High Command Opera-
tions Staff, the Operations Staff rejected the accusation as unjusti-
fied. Actually, the tonnage unloaded in Tobruk exceeds all figures
ever reached before, and this fact is due entirely to the energetic
intervention of the German Naval Command, Italy.
IX. Commander Junge made a detailed report on his official trip to
the Black Sea area which he had undertaken on orders from the Armed
Forces High Command Operations Staff. He describes* in particular,
the unsatisfactory conditions in the Nikolayev shipyard which call
for immediate relief. The present production of this shipyard is
absolutely inadequate, due to lack of proper organization and person-
nel. The effect will make itself felt very keenly once the shortage
of tonnage in the Black Sea becomes manifest, and the Navy alone will
be blamed. . •
In this connection, the Chief, Naval Construction Division reports
that because of this risk for the Navy, which he too anticipates, a
binding agreement was concluded with the Reich Commissioner of Mari-
time Shipping and ;with Staatsrat Blohm just 2 days ago, to the
effect that the management of the shipyard is to be transferred to
the Hermann Goering Werke, which will send a new director there.
Since this measure does not suffice to make clear where the respon-
sibility actually lies, the Commander in Chief, Navy orders, in addi-
tion, that the Navy completely withdraw from the management of the
shipyard; at the same time guarantees must be provided that the *
orders which the Navy places there are filled. In spite of the exist'
ing contract which safeguards the Navy's property rights, the Chief,
Naval Construction Division suggests that the shipyard control staff
be dissolved and a group of energetic inspectors be considered suf-
ficient. In any case construction and repair work for the Navy in
progress at the present time (6 war transports, 3 subchasers, and
the remaining vessels of the landing craft construction program) will
be completed. Emphasizing the responsibility which the Navy still
bears for supplying the war transports, the Commander in Chief, Navy
gives his approval to the above proposal.
Unfortunately, the other alternative for overcoming the existing
difficulties, namely a thorough sifting of the personnel, which for
obvious reasons would be preferable to the Navy, is impracticable
because of the deplorable shortage of qualified personnel.
In order to have this problem, as well as the related questions dis-
cussed by Commander Junge, settled on the spot, the Commander in
Chief, Navy orders that the Chief of the Shipyard Branch, Naval Con-
struction Division, Rear Admiral Kleikamp, be sent immediately to
Novorossisk and the Crimea.
Special Items :
I. On 10 Aug. the Commander in Chief, Navy approved Group North's
request for placing the Admiral, Arctic Ocean under its command
effective immediately,
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10 Aug. 1942
The Chief, Naval Staff Quartermaster Division approves the draft of
the necessary instructions for the Admiral, Arctic Ocean as sub-
mitted by Group North.
II. In connection with the reexamination of the problems of poison
gas defenses undertaken on orders from the Naval Staff Quartermaster
Division (see War Diary 27 Jul.), the Inspector of Naval Ordnance
suggests that an inspectorate for chemical warfare be established
within the Navy, which would at the same time be in charge of all
problems in the fields of smoke screens, camouflage, and fire fight-
ing.
III. According to the communication received from the Naval Liaison
Officer to the Array General Staff, the Naval Staff's request for in-
vestigation of the chances against light Russian naval forces in the
Gulf of Finland (War Diary 17 Jul.) has been transmitted to the
Northern Army Group for reply. In its reply of 4 Jul. to an inquiry
by the Naval Liaison Officer to the Army General Staff, the Northern
Army Group had already given the insufficient number of guns, in-
sufficient ammunition allotments, lack of ground and air reconnais-
sance, and ice conditions which prevented hits under water as reasons
for the unsatisfactory results of artillery attacks on Russian na-
val forces in Kronstadt and Leningrad. It added that the results
obtained by the Air Force in its attacks on these ships were no
better than those scored by the artillery. It also mentioned that
during the winter the artillery did not receive orders to destroy
the enemy fleet, in order to spare naval installations; rather, em-
phasis was placed on destroying essential industrial installations.
The Artillery General with the Commander in Chief, Army believes
that the Russian naval forces in the area mentioned can only be at-
tacked if the Navy provides 500 rounds of 28 cm, armor-piercing
shells •
The Navy had given up the request to spare naval in-
stallations as early as September 1941, but certain-
ly no later than 18 Jan. 1942 (see War Diary 18 Jan.
1942).
TV. According to a communication from the Army General Staff, the
Japanese General Staff offered through the Military Attache in Tokyo
on 5 Aug. to send a general staff officer and- a technical officer with
special experience in landing operations by air to Germany, if so de-
sired.
The Japanese General Staff confirmed to the German Military Attache
for the first time that the Japanese units in Manchukuo are in fact
being considerably reinforced and that the present peaceful rela-
tions with the Soviet Union are not expected to last much longer. The
best time for a Japanese surprise attack would probably be around
the end of August or the beginning of September.
V. An intelligence report from London states that due to the
shortage of tonnage the second front cannot be established at present
or in the near future. The Swiss News Agency claims to have learned
from London that the Axis powers and Japan sank 321 Allied ships
totalling 1,846,900 GRT during June 1942.
The Swiss Legation in London has been informed that the large-scale
air attacks on Germany must now be restricted since the gasoline which
is ready for shipment in America cannot be brought up because of
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10 Aug. 1942
tanker shortage. Great anxiety is caused by the threat of German
submarine warfare. According to reports from Germany, the attempt
to destroy the shipyards building submarines in Germany has so far
proved unsuccessful. It will be difficult to do this also in the
future, since the German submarine bases are too well camouflaged,
VI. In view of the Army preparations for operation "Nordlicht",
Group North expects that the Russian Baltic Sea fleet will try to
break out and requests for this reason that in case the situation
calls for such a measure, the 6th PT Boat Flotilla be temporarily
assigned to the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea after engine
overhaul and firing practice. Group North furthermore requests
that the mine reserves be replenished so that tactical minefields
can be laid, at once.
Basically the Naval Staff wants the 6th PT Boat Flotilla to operate
in the west area. It reserves a decision about a temporary assign-
ment of the flotilla to the Baltic Sea, if the situation so re-
quires, until the vessels are again ready for action after comple-
tion of engine overhaul and torpedo firing practice.
As for replenishing the mine reserve supplies, the Naval Staff will
Issue the necessary directives. <
VII. Should the TIRPITZ and the HIPPER be unable to enter the ship-
yard simultaneously for the period from November till January, the
Naval Staff agrees, as suggested by the Fleet Command, to have the
TIRPITZ enter the shipyard first toward the end of October and the
HIPPER subsequently. The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division is
directed to fix the date on which the TIRPITZ should enter the ship-
yard independent of the transfer of the SCTTARNHORST. The Naval
Staff is willing to risk having no battleship in Norway temporarily
in autumn in case the transfer of the SCHARNHORST is delayed, if
thereby it is possible to complete the TIRPITZ by the middle of
March 1943 so that she can be transferred to Norway while the nights
are still long. Starting early in September preparations are to be
made for a 6 weeks engine overhaul of- the SCHEER.
For copies of the Fleet Command's proposal to this effect and of the
directive of the Naval Staff Operations Division see l/Skl I op
19335/42 Gkdos. in War Diary. Part B, Vol. V.
Situation 10 Aug. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation !
No reports of interest have been received.
2, Own Situation ;
Ship "10" is being informed that the prize crews of the
HERBORG and the NANKIN began their return voyage with the TANNENFELS
on 8 Aug. Each prize crew is being awarded one Iron Cross, First
Class, and 70 to 100^ of their members will receive the Iron Cross,
Second Class. The captain of the auxiliary cruiser is to distribute
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i
10 Aug. 1942
the decorations. For details see Radiogram 1954.
The German Naval Command, Italy reported that the Italian tankers
ARCOLA and TAIGETE were at 6° 41' N, 26° 59' W on 8 Aug. at noon.
The Commanding Admiral, Submarines has been informed accordingly.
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation :
No reports of special Interest have been received.
2. Own Situation :
Atlantic Coast :
3 ground mines were swept in the Gironde estuary. 1 mine
exploded by itself.
The supply ship UCKERMARK departed from La Pallice on 9 Aug. at 2200
as scheduled, and the escorting vessels left her on 10 Aug. at 0500.
At 1940 the ship reported that she is returning to Bordeaux. Group
West has ordered torpedo boats to bring her in. Since no indications
can be obtained from radio intelligence or air reconnaissance, the ,
reason why the ship turned back remains obscure. The Group assumes
engin e tr oub le .
Channel Coast :
Nothing to report.
III. North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea :
Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance failed to yield any results.
Own Situation :
5 ground mines were swept on convoy routes north of the
Frisian Islands. Convoy operations proceeded according to plan.
Bad weather restricted mine-sweeping operations. Barrage n SW 102"
could not be laid because of unfavorable weather.
Special Item :
The Post Minister has expressed to the Armed Forces High
Command Operations Staff his special recognition for the manner in
which the cable between Arndal and Newbiggin was cut on 3 Jul. The
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CONFIDENTIAL
10 Aug. 1942
performance of mine sweeper "1303" was excellent. Evidently, the
cable was cut in order to break off an illegal communication line
between Norway and England. The Post Minister believes that for
technical reasons it is impossible that there could be a branch
line .west of the spot where the cable was cut.
2. Norway, Arctic Ocean :
Enemy Situation :
Reconnaissance searching for convoy PQ. 18 was unsuccessful,
Air reconnaissance reports that the Olga Strait is no longer navig-
able between 19° and 25° E.
O wn Situation :
On 8 Aug. the Russian battery on the Rybachi Peninsula un-
successfully fired on 2 landing craft en route from Petsamo to
Kirkenes. On 9 Aug. enemy planes raided a convoy at the latitude of
the Ko Fjord and patrol vessels off Svaerholthavet. Patrol vessel
"6163'* was damaged by an aerial torpedo but was towed into Honnings-
vaag. In the northern and western coast areas, enemy planes were re-
ported flying daylight missions over the areas of Trondhelm and
Stavanger on 9 Aug.
The transfer of the LUETZOVV has started as scheduled. According to
the directive of Group North, the radio communication intercept de-
tachment of the LUETZOW will be embarked on the mine layer ULM, be-
ginning 13 Aug., to participate in the operation in the Novaya
Zemlya area. «
No incidents I were reported by the Admiral, Arctic Ocean.
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
2. Own Situation :
No incidents occurred in the area of the Commanding Ad-
miral, Defenses, Baltic Sea.
On 9 Aug. the minefields "Seeigel XXIV" and "Seelgel XXV" were laid
in the Gulf of Finland according to plan. A 300 m. wide channel has
been swept in UMB minefield "Nashorn 12". Convoy operations pro-
ceeded as planned.
The Army High Command urgently requested the Commanding Admiral,
Baltic Countries to release Army Coastal Artillery 929 and Battery
515, since only very few guns are available for operation "Nord-
licht t \
The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division will attend to the matter.
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10 Aug. 1942
V. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation ;
Reconnaissance activity over the entire Bay of Biscay was
very lively. 3 submarine sighting reports were intercepted. A
British vessel was located 320 miles west of Brest.
2. Own Situation :
Submarine U "255" reported from the Arctic Ocean that she
has taken up her patrol position at the entrance to the Hinlopen
Strait as ordered. In general, the Naval Staff considers it in-
advisable to send such reports.
In the North Atlantic, contact with the eastbound convoy was re-
established at 0630 and was maintained, with some interruptions,
throughout the day. A number of successes were reported, which are
particularly gratifying in view of the fact that our submarines are
almost exclusively manned by new commanders. Submarine U "704" re-
ported that she has torpedoed a steamer of the ORMONDE class
(14,982 GRT). Submarine U "597" reported 3 hits on two 8,000 GRT
steamers in the central column of the convoy. Submarine U "438" re-
ports hitting a 5,000 GRT steamer end probably sinking a 6,000 GRT
steamer which was not moving. Submarine U "660" reports that she
torpedoed 4 steamers but was driven off and could not observe their
sinking. The Commanding Admiral, Submarines has ordered the opera-
tion to be continued.
No successes were reported from the American coast.
In the West Indies area submarine U "108" sank the Norwegian steamer
BRENAS (2,687 GRT) in quadrant EO 2276 and took the captain aboard.
Submarine U "510" sank a 14,000 GRT tanker in quadrant ED 3927.
Of the submarine group operating in the South Atlantic, submarine
U "752" reports that in quadrant ET 3383 she sank the former German
steamer KASSEL proceeding under the Dutch flag with a cargo of
planes and locomotives from New York to Alexandria. A U.S. cruiser
and destroyers had stopped the steamer in quadrant ET 4570.
For further reports see .supplement to the submarine situation in War
Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
VI. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity ;
On the night of 10 Aug. a few of our planes operated over
Colchester and Hastings. On the night of 9 Aug. our planes raided
Brighton, Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle.
Of the 20 enemy incursions during the night of 10 Aug., 15 were over
the Reich territory. No bombs were dropped. The attacks were con-
centrated on the Baltic Sea entrances and Kiel Bay. It is presumed
that mines were dropped.
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10 Aug. 1942
2. Mediterranean Theater ;
For reconnaissance results see Enemy Situation, Medi-
terranean.
Fighters and bombers attacked airfields on Malta. In Africa, the
number of fighters operating in the area of the Africa Corps was
increased.
3. Eastern Front ;
Reconnaissance planes were active over the Volga River,
the Caspian Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. Otherwise there was noth^
ing to report.
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
According to an intelligence report from Ceuta, on the
night of 9 Aug. a convoy of 37 vessels, among them 1 aircraft
carrier, 3 cruisers, 10 destroyers, 3 gunboats, and 19 freighter's,
passed through the Strait of Gibraltar in easterly direction. On
the morning of 10 Aug. the ARGUS with 4 destroyers entered Gibral-
tar from the west. At 1400 the ARGUS was still located in Gibral-
tar. Fog prevented any further observations. Around 1900, air
reconnaissance spotted an eastbound convoy composed of 2 battle-
ships, 2 aircraft carriers, 2 cruisers, 14 destroyers, and 12
steamers 55 miles north-northeast of Oran. Evidently this is the
same convoy that was sighted from Ceuta the night before. The size
of this eastbound convoy makes it appear doubtful that it involves
merely a supply operation, possibly including plane shipments for
Malta. . It may be that this is the convoy which, according to an in-
telligence report, was composed of 37 ships carrying 25,000 men for
Egypt and departed from Portrush for Gibraltar on 25 Jul., to pro-
ceed from there through the Mediterranean. (See War Diary 28 Jul. )
If the report is correct, it would offer an affirm-
ative answer to the Naval Staff's question as to
whether the British would actually dare to let such
a valuable convoy cross the whole length of the Medi-
terranean.
In the central Mediterranean, air reconnaissance spotted lively sub-
marine activity. 4 submarines were reported sighted. Radio intelli-
gence observed westbound convoy movements in the eastern Mediter-
ranean.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean ;
On 7 Aug. the Admiral, German Naval Command, Italy left
with the Commanding General, Armed Forces, South by plane for
Africa where he will presumably stay 3 days for conferences with the
Panzer Army and the Italian command posts.
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10 Aug. 1942
On 11 Aug. the North African Operations Headquarters of the Ger-
man Naval Command, Italy will be transferred to Tobruk for the
purpose of better control of coastal shipping and better liaison
with the Italian Navy. (See Telegram 0230. )
On 9 Aug. an Italian landing craft sank in the roadstead of Tobruk
as a result of a mine explosion. \
In the night of 8 Aug. 50 aerial mines (not 5 as previously re-
ported) were dropped in Marsa Matruh. The Nava^ Staff has re-
quested the German Naval Command, Italy to report immediately on
the firing devices with which the mines found in that area are
equipped. The chances to have the mines swept by mine-sweeping
planes appear at present limited and depend on the results of the
investigation of the firing devices. (See Telegram 1717.)
On 19 May the Naval Staff had asked the German Naval Command, Italy
to clarify the following points:
a. Is it certain that the Italians will provide their share
of the mines in time to ensure laying of the east-west wall in the
Aegean Sea?
The Naval Staff considers this to be a prerequisite for our supply-
ing the requested additional 1,200 UMA mines.
b. The German Naval Command, Italy is requested to confirm
that in its opinion laying of the east-west wall in the Aegean Sea
will not affect unfavorably the mine operations in the Strait of
Sicily, off Malta, off Benghazi, and farther to the east, which
the Naval Staff considers more urgent.
In the meantime, the Naval Staff has granted the request of Group
South that the UMA and EMC mines which are available in the Aegean
area for submarine warfare be used for the first rows of the mine-
fields between the islands. The Italian mines will then be used
to reinforce and deepen the minefields.
On 14 Jul. the German Naval Command, Italy, after repeated requests,
finally transmitted the views of the Italian Admiralty presenting
an over-all plan for the use of Italian mines. This plan provides
that, except for the mines and nets which are to be laid in the
Strait of Sicily, all other mines and nets will gradually be made
ready for use in the planned mine operation in the northern Aegean,
and will be placed at the disposal of the Admiral, Aegean Sea, who
has command of the operation.
On 28 Jul. the Naval Staff, being particularly anxious to make sure
that the operation in the Strait of Sicily is not unfavorably af-
fected, asked the German Naval Command, Italy to state its views on
this question once more. On 6 Aug. the German Naval Command, Italy
replied that neither the mines used in the Aegean Sea nor the with-
drawal of minelaying vessels for operations in that area will jeop-
ardize the operation in the Strait of Sicily. On 8 Aug. the German
Naval Command, Italy stated in a supplementary report that the
Italian Admiralty repeatedly gave the lack of fuel as the reason for
not laying minefields already planned, e.g., off Tobruk and Benghazi.
So far, it has not been possible to gain a definite promise from the
Italia is that the operation in the Strait of Sicily will be carried
out promptly. The German Naval Command, Italy is continuing its
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CONFIDENTIAL
10 Aug. 1942
*o
efforts in this direction.
3» Transport of Supplies to North Africa :
Transport of supplies from Italy and Greece to North
Africa and along the North African coast proceeded according to
plan .without incidents.
According to a list compiled by the Naval Staff Quartermaster
Division, Shipping and Transport Branch, out of the total of 45
German ships (166,957 GRT) engaged In the transport of supplies
to North Africa, 34 vessels totalling 138,476 GRT have been lost
and 3 vessels totalling 4,417 GRT damaged, thus leaving only 8
ships totalling about 24,000 GRT in sailing condition.
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea :
Submarine chase brought no success. On 6 Aug. another
auxiliary sailing vessel, carrying 112 Greek workers for Crete, is
said to have been sunk off the eastern coast of the Peloponnesos.
Black Sea :
Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance observed intense loading activity in
Tuapse. 1 tanker, 14 steamers, 8 coastal vessels, and 13 escort
vessels were sighted in that harbor. On the evening of 8 Aug. a
submarine was located east of Ivanbaba. It is suspected that mines
were laid between Cape Ilich and the Ivanbaba Bay.
Own Situation :
In the night of 9 Aug. 3 landing craft and 3 motor mine
sweepers passed through the Kerch Strait northward without inci-
dent. 16 landing craft assigned to operation "Bluecher" and 4 en-
gaged in the transport of supplies to the Sea of Azov are now in
that area. On 11 Aug. one of these 4 barges will join the "Bluecher**
group.
During the torpedo operation of the 1st PT Boat Flotilla off
Tuapse during the night of 9 Aug. PT boat S "102" sank a southeast-
bound steamer of at least 4,000 GRT carrying ammunition and troops.
Escorting destroyers dropped depth charges, thus assuming a sub-
marine attack. One of the destroyers was unsuccessfully torpedoed.
No contact was made with the enemy off Novorossisk.
In view of the fact that 4 of the boats of the 1st PT Boat Flotilla
are due to have their engines replaced, Group South endorses as
urgent the request of the Admiral, Black Sea for prompt dispatch of
PT boat engines. The matter will be attended to by the Naval Staff
Quartermaster Division and the Naval Construction Division.
5. Special Item :
In his reply to the Commanding General, Armed Forces,
South the Commanding Admiral, Group South declares that it is an
overstatement to say that lack of air cover was the sole cause for
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CONFIDENTIA L
10 Aug. 1942
the loss of the WACHTFELS, sirtce air escort can never prevent a
submarine attack. The Commanding Admiral, Group South asks the
Commanding General, Armed Forces, South to postpone any final
conclusions until the results of the court-martial investigation
are available. Group South has informed the Naval Staff and
through it the Armed Forces High Command to this effect. (See
Telegram 1200. )
VIII. Situation East Asia
The German Admiral in Tokyo has transmitted a report of the
Chief of the Japanese Naval Staff about the engagements in the
Solomons.
l a On 6 Aug. bad weather prevented air reconnaissance. On
the morning of 7 Aug. enemy forces consisting of 9 cruisers, 11
destroyers, and 30 transports emerged unexpectedly off Tulagi on I
Florida Island. The appearance of enemy fighters indicated that
at the same time a force of at least 1 aircraft carrier and 1 or
2 auxiliary aircraft carriers was at some point beyond the range
of Japanese reconnaissance.
2. Enemy troops landed on Florida Island, where 300 Jap-
anese naval troops are stationed, and on Guadalcanal, where
there are 600 Japanese naval troops, in addition to 2000 Jap-
anese workers engaged in building an airfield.
3. On 7 Aug. some 25 Japanese naval land-based planes carry-
ing bombs took off from Rabaul under strong fighter escort to at-
tack the enemy force. Over Tulagi heavy fighting developed be-
tween the Japanese planes and some 60 enemy carrier-based fighters,
of which the Japanese supposedly shot down 52. Bombing was
hampered by the aerial combat and clouds, with the result that
only 2 destroyers were damaged by bombs. The fighters re-
fueled at Buka Island on their return flight.
4. On 8 Aug. Japanese planes took off from Rabaul and re-
peatedly torpedoed enemy vessels riding at a,nchor. ..
Result: 2 heavy cruisers, 2 light cruisers, and 9 transports sunk,
2 heavy cruisers and 2 transports left burning.
5. In the night of 8 Aug. the Japanese sent their naval
forces into action, ^he forces consisted of 5 heavy and 2 light
cruisers, and 1 destroyer.
Result: 4 destroyers sunk, 2 cruisers set on fire. 2 Japanese
cruisers were slightly damaged.
6. On the morning of 9 Aug. air reconnaissance located the
following vessels off Tulagi: 1 cruiser, 2 light cruisers or de-
stroyers, 7 destroyers or mine sweepers, and 19 transports. Some-
what farther away there were 6 destroyers, and 100 miles south of
Tulagi 1 enemy battleship or heavy cruiser which was sunk by an
aerial torpedo.
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10 Aug. 1942
7. Another air attack against the enemy forces still off
Tulagi was started on the morning of 10 Aug., but meanwhile the
enemy had disappeared.
8. The situation on Florida Island and Guadalcanal is un-
clear. Defensive combat is till In progress.
9. Exchange of radio messages intercepted on 10 Aug. in-
dicates that strong enemy forces are at sea southeast of the
Solomon Islands. However, they remain outside the Japanese
reconnaissance range.
10. The actual scope of the American offensive plan is not
clear. From the size of the force sent into action it may be
concluded that, -in addition to the Solomon Islands, the enemy
intends to attack the Bismarck Archipelago.
11. The actual number of vessels sunk differs from the
figures which were published; this difference is probably due
to the fact that ships which v/ere at first seen burning and were
later hit for a second time were counted twice.
*
12. A simultaneous attack was launched by U.S. naval forces
consisting of 4 cruisers, 10 destroyers, and 2 more warships on
Kiska (Aleutians) on 8 Aug. The attack was confined to a 30
minute bombardment, after which the enemy ships turned away and
disappeared in the fog. Evidently no landing was planned. The
enemy lost 1 ship-borne reconnaissance plane. The dairage caused
is slight.
The U.S. Navy Department reports from the South Pacific that the
offensive operations against the Japanese forces on the Solomon
Islands are being continued. The report states that the Ameri-
can forces met with rather strong resistance and that it is still
too early to make known losses on either side.
According to a report from the Military Attache in Bangkok, the
Japanese intend to utilize their combat experience in China in
the event of a future invasion in India by employing only small
forces, causing confusion by quick, deep thrusts, and instigat-
ing uprisings. The time for this action will be determined by
military developments in the Middle East. An air offensive in
which major forces are employed cannot be launched before Novem-
ber. It is difficult to make a sufficient number of troop trans-
ports available. Possession of Ceylon as a military and naval
base is considered important.
Enemy planes attacking Amboina allegedly damaged a Japanese
cruiser. The Japanese have occupied the city and airfield of
Kokoda on New Guinea.
According to information from Japanese sources in Bangkok, the
Japanese offensive against Australia has been postponed. It is
planned to encircle that continent by a. gradual occupation of
further archipelagos, and to disrupt the enemy's supply lines.
At the present time, large-scale operations are being prepared
to be launched from the southwestern Pacific against Ceylon,
India, Madagascar, and South Africa,
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CONFIDENTIAL
10 Aug. 1942
IX, Army Situation
1. Russian Front t
Army Group A ;
Our troops advancing toward the lower Kuban River have
reached the area of Slavyansk. Enemy groups remaining in the
area east of Maikop are attempting to break through to the east
and southeast. Motorized forces are pushing forward from Mosto-
voye west toward the Byelaya River. Other troops are advancing
on both sides of the Manych River in southeasterly direction.
Army Group B :
Tightening of the pocket west of Kalach continues. The
points of penetration near Svoboda were mopped up. North of Vor-
onezh armored enemy forces penetrated our lines. Counterattacks
are in progress.
Central Army Group :
Fighting at the point of penetration near Rzhev con-
tinues. Our troops have so far failed to close the gap.
Northern Army Group :
The enemy renewed his attacks on the same points as
during the last few days without achieving any success.
2. Finnish Front :
No noteworthy fighting was reported.
3. North Africa :
So far, no report has been received.
jHHHH Hi WattHtt M 'WH H HHH H KHHHW
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CONFIDENTIAL
11 Aug. 1942
Tt.pma of Political Tmnortance
The public continues to show great interest in the Moscow confer-
ences. American sources observe that the desperate situation on the
Eastern Front is more dangerous for Great- Britain than for the
U.S.S.R. The latter is relatively safe behind the Ural moun-
tains whereas Britain will have to face the whole impact of the con-
centrated German power turned against her. The question in Moscow
is not whether but when a second front is to be established,
Portuguese naval circles believe that lack of tonnage will prevent
the British from making a landing attempt in Portugal.
The Central American governments intend to protest at Washington in
connection with- the announced complete suspension of ship traffic
from North America to Central American harbors. A news agency re-
ports that the U.S. Department of State has concluded an agreement
with the Central American countries for construction of a 1,000 km.
transcontinental highway.
India ;
Due to the energetic measures on the part of the British Indian
Government, the Congress resolution has so far failed to produce any
serious threat to the internal political situation. For reasons of
propaganda, the German press tries to prove the opoosite.
Spain :
The U.S. Ambassador in Madrid stated in a speech in Barcelona that
everywhere in Spain he has found willingness to cooperate with* the
U.S.A.
Conference on the Situation with the Chief, Naval Staff
I. For a newspaper photo of PT boat S "38" flying the British flag,
captured by the British in the Channel on 20 Nov. .1940 (see War Diary
20 Nov. 1940), see War Diary, Part B, Vol. V.
II. Report by the Chief. Naval Construction Division :
1. During the operation of the KOELN it became evident that
the cables of the cruiser are in such bad condition that the ship is
hampered thereby. It was known that the cables were in poor con-
dition, but it was hoped that the minor improvements made while the
ship was being repaired would suffice.
The Chief, Naval Staff finds this very unfortunate. The Naval Staff
Quartermaster Division will take care of the matter.
2. The "Hansa" program can not get under way because there is
no rolled iron available. The Reich Commissioner of Maritime Ship-
ping has suggested that the Navy make 7,500 tons of rolled iron
available for the program.
During the current quarter the Navy has 50,000 tons of rolled iron at
its disposal, of which 25,000 tons have already been milled and 18,000
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11 Aug. 1943
tons are earmarked for submarines; these cannot be touched. A
decision must be made about the remaining 7,000 tons.
The Chief, Naval Construction Division states that there is no way
of determining now which items would be affected by giving up those
7,000 tons for the benefit of the "Hansa" program. There are
certain reserves with which the gap could partly be overcome, but
delays will be inevitable. , B
On the other hand, the Chief, Naval Construction Division believes
that the Navy will not be able to escape a decision by the Fuehrer
unless it releases the 7,000 tons. The Chief, Naval Ordnance
Division observes that the naval offices have repeatedly been re-
proached for hoarding supplies, and in his opinion the request
should be granted.
The Chief of Staff, Naval Staff and the Chief, Operations Branch,
Naval Staff Operations Division both declare that the expected
delays will affect just those vessels which are urgently needed
for submarine operations.
The Deputy Chief, Naval Staff Quartermaster Division suggests a
compromise solution by releasing possibly 3,000 tons.
The Chief, Naval Construction Division points out that even this
would bring about a Fuehrer decision.
On the assumption that the Navy has some reserve supplies, the Com-
mander in Chief, Navy decides that the 7,000 tons are to be re-
leased.
III. Report by the Chief. Naval Ordnance Division :
1. The Minister for Armaments and War Production has ex-
pressed fears that the defense installations on a coastal sector
near Cape Gris Nez which is particularly well suited for enemy
tank landings are not adequate, and has stated that he will report
on the matter to the Fuehrer who is the responsible authority in
this particular case. The Naval Ordnanoe Division is investigating
whether the captured Polish 7.5 cm guns could be made available for
reinforcing the anti-tank defenses of the naval battery in the men-
tioned sector.
2. The original smooth cooperation between Army and Navy
headquarters in the coastal defense program entrusted to the Army
by a Fuehrer directive is becoming more and more difficult. The
Chief, Naval Ordnance Division believes that these difficulties
have their origin in the tendenoy on the part of subordinate Army
offices to bring the naval fortification construction under their
control too. It is intended to obtain a clarification from General
Jacob of the Engineers.
3. The demand for mobile coastal artillery, raised on the
occasion of the inspection tour of the Commander in Chief, Navy
to the west area, is being considered. It is planned to use heavy
caterpillar guns. To avoid duplication, the Army and the Navy have
divided development of the gun oalibers in question. The Navy is
working on 28 cm. guns.
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11 Aug. 1942
IV. Report bv the Chief. Naval Staff Intelligence Division ;
Reports from Moscow are still too incomplete to permit a clear
evaluation of the progress of negotiations. The events around the
Solomon Islands are bound to create a strange impression in Moscow,
inasmuch as the Americans are carrying out large-scale operations
involving heavy losses in the Pacific while the Russians are clamor-
ing desperately for a second front in Europe. Admiral King has
issued a communique concerning the developments off the Solomon
Islands. For details see Situation East Asia.
Basing his report on data from the Army General Staff, the Chief,
Naval Intelligence Division discusses the economic importance of
the Caucasus, the road and traffic situation, and population
problems.
V. The Chief, Naval Staff asks the Deputy Chief, Naval Staff
Quartermaster Division whether the request of the Admiral, Arctic
Ocean for additional 10.5 cm. guns to be emplaced at Agdenes and
Hysnes (Trondheim Fjord) againBt PT boats penetrating into the
fjord is being fulfilled. The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division
will investigate the matter.
Special Items :
I. On 9 and 10 Aug. the Admiral. Arctic Ocean reported on his
plans for operation "Wunderland" (see War Diary 10 Aug.) based on
instructions from Group North. In its first stage, the operation
will be aimed at intercepting all convoys and unescorted vessels
on the western half of the Siberian route. The operation can be
extended to the Yenisei River by a thrust up to Dickson Island.
Group North has approved these measures. For the operations plan
of the Admiral, Arctic Ocean and the stand of Group North see
l/Skl 1551 and 1557/42 Gkdos. Chefs, in File "Operation 9CHEER
in the Kara Sea in summer 1942".
The Air Force, Operations Staff was notified of operation "Wunder-
land" and of the reconnaissance and escort missions requested of
the 5th Air Force via Telegram l/Skl I op 1556/42 Gkdos. Chefs.
The Permanent Representative of the Commander in Chief, Navy at
the Fuehrer Headquarters was informed for information of the
Fuehrer via Telegram l/Skl I op 1558/42 Gkdos. Chefs. (See File).
II. The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division has agreed to the
organizational changes suggested by the Chief, Naval Construction
Division at the conference on the situation with the Commander
in Chief, Navy on 10 Aug. (see War Diary 10 Aug.) namely, that
the shipyard control staff in Nikolayev be dissolved and replaced
by inspectors, provided the following projects are carried out as
promised by the Chief, Naval Construction Division:
1. Immediate construction of 3 subchasers and 6 war trans-
ports.
2. Completion of necessary repairs on warships in the Black
Sea.
3. A guarantee to the effect that later there will be a
possibility of building a navy yard.
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11 Aug. 1942
Shipyard personnel released from Nikolayev is to be added to the
Navy plants which are working efficiently in Mariupol, Kherson,
Feodosiya, and other places.
III. According to a report from the Naval Staff Quartermaster Divi-
sion, Shipping and Transport Branch, 85 ships totalling 254,684 GRT,
with a loading capacity of 350,087 tons, have been offered to the
Reich Commissioner of Maritime Shipping. Of these, 23 ships total-
ling 87,350 GRT, with a' loading capacity of 126,990 tons, have
already been handed over to the shipping companies.
The 85 ships placed at the disposal of the Reich Comnissioner of
Maritime Shipping include all Norway ships and all vessels used in
distributing and bringing up supplies, as well as all the dispens-
able troop transports. Ships belonging to the navy yards, arsenals,
and commissary offices will be handed over shortly.
IV. As learned by the Naval Staff Operations Division, the destroyej
in the Grirasoe area scraped bottom or. a rocky ridge in the fairway,
Thich is only a few hundred meters long, is not charted, and was
not known before. The Naval Staff Operations Division requests
the Naval Staff Quartermaster Division to do everything in its power
to prevent repetition of such accidents.
V. The Naval Staff Operations Division transmits to the Naval
Staff Quartermaster Division its views on transferring shipyards
to the east because of danger from air raids, requesting that this
idea be followed up, and suggestions be worked out with the Naval
Construction Division for measures to cooe with this situation.
For ccpy of the instruction see l/Skl I a 19218/42 Gkdos. in War
Diary, Part B, Vol. V.
Situation 11 Aug. 1948
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
There is nothing to report.
2. Own Situation :
i
The Japanese Navy has requested the German Admiral in
Tokyo to have all prisoners debark in Batavia in the future, with
the exception of those needed in Tokyo for questioning. German
ship commands should get in touch with the naval commander in
Batavia. Secrecy is assured.
The Naval Attache in Tokyo is requested to indicate immediately the
ports of departure and destination, as well as the cargoes, of the
HERBORG and the MADRONO, so that the prize court proceedings can be
completed.
The Naval Attache in Tokyo is further requested to state immediately
the date on which the TANNEN7ELS will reach point "Lille".
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11 Aug. 1942
Via Radiogram 1959 all vessels in foreign waters are informed about
the sinking of the Dutch steamer, the former German KASSEL, in
quadrant ET 73 and about prisoner statements that the steamer was
stopped by U.S. cruisers and destroyers in quadrant ET 4570.
A report on the enemy situation is being sent nut via Radiograms
0211 and 2225.
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation :
Photographic reconnaissance shows 2 destroyers, 1 corvette,
6 steamers, and 40 small vessels in Cowes. 2 cruisers, 7 destroyers,
19 mine sweepers, 10 PT boats, some 50,000 to 60,000 GRT of merchant
tonnage, 9 ocean-going tugs, aoproxiraately 120 tow barges and 80
small vessels were located in Portsmouth. 160 to 170 vessels were
located in the upper Chichester Canal near Birmingham, 50 in Adurr
Firth, 40 to 50 off Southwick. 1 corvette, 19 motor mine sweepers,
5 PT boats, and 40 small vessels were at Newhaven. No basic changes
as compared with previous findings have occurred, according to
reconnaissance photographs. As before, the landing vessels are
left in the harbors without any camouflage. No movements of these
vessels have been observed.
2. Own Situation :
Atlantic Coast: '
At 0730, the 3rd Torpedo Boat Flotilla met the sunply
ship UCKERFARK in quadrant BF 9917.
Channel Coast :
No incidents were reported.
Special Item :
The Permanent Representative of the Commander in Chief,
Navy reports from the Fuehrer Headquarters that the Fuehrer intends
to have 15,000 concrete emplacements built for the defense of the
west area. These will require about 200,000 men. The purpose is
to maintain the defensive preparedness of these seotors against
enemy landings even in case of heavy air raids. The Naval Staff
is to establish the order in which the development of the harbor
defense is to be undertaken. The Naval Staff Operations Division
is of the opinion that the Naval Staff can do this only if projects
already under construction are unaffected by this measure. Groups
North and 'Test are requested to submit priority lists for their
respective areas not later than on the morning of 12 Aug. For copy
of the order see l/Skl I op 19630/42 Gkdos. in War Diary, Part C,
Vol. X.
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11 Aug. 1942
III. North Sea, Norway. Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea :
Enemy Situation ;
In the evening air reconnaissance spotted a northbound
convoy of 19 ships off Lowestoft. British air reconnaissance over
the North Sea was not very active.
Own Situation :
Bad weather partly interrupted convoy operations. Patrol
positions were not occupied. Except for a few ground mines swept,
no incidents were reoorted.
2. Norway. Arctic Ocean :
Enemy Situation :
Convoy P^ 18 was not intercepted today either. A sub-
marine reported weak sound location in quadrant AB 3298 at 1740.
The submarine assumes the presence of a destroyer or a patrol ves-
sel. A press report from Washington states that a convoy with
materiel has safely arrived in a harbor of northern Russia.
This report seems to be meant for deceptive purposes
since it does not contain any details.
Own Situation :
On 10 and 11 Aug. numerous single enemy planes were active
over the northern and western coasts of Norway. Convoy operations
proceeded as scheduled, without incident.
IV. Skagerrak. Baltic Sea Entrances. Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation :
According to a Finnish report, Russian forces are sweeping
mines in the fairway north of Kronstadt. The 4 destroyers reported
in Kronstadt belong to the STOROSHEVOY class.
2. Own Situation :
3 ground mines were swept in the Baltic Sea entrances.
The transfer of the LUETZOW under escort of forces of the Command-
ing Admiral, Defenses, Baltic Sea is proceeding according to plan.
At 1930 the vessels were at the latitude of Copenhagen. The LUETZOW
reports limited operational readiness. Her maximum continuous speed
is 24 knots.
In the night of 10 Aug. some 20 enemy planes flew over northern
Schleswig and the Danish Islands. Aerial mines were probably dropped
on shipping routes in the Kiel Bay and in the Baltic Sea entrances.
No fighter successes were reported. For details see Telegram 0720.
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11 Aug. 1942
Minefields "Seeigel XXVI" and "Seeigel XXVIII" in the Gulf of Finland
have been completed according to plan.
Group North interprets the lively mine-sweeping activity in the
Kronstadt Bay as an indication that the enemy's ships are ready to
sail. Group North is of the opinion that Russian naval warfare has
taken on a more offensive character as compared to last year in
spite of less freedom of movement. In this connection, Group North
refers to the Russian break through the Vlgrund minefield with the
help of long-range fighters. Since effective support of our naval
forces by planes depends on the situation at the Northern Army Group,
and since the Finnish PT boats are oil, can be used only to a limited
extent, and are often out of commission, Group North renews its re-
quest for withdrawal of small coastal mine vessels and Italian sub-
chasers from Lake. Ladoga. The present assignment of these vessels
to coastal patrol service does not utilize their qualities as of-
fensive weapons and results in a waste of valuable engine hours.
The strong armed "Faehre Ost" force affords better protection against
a Russian landing in Lake Ladoga than these vessels. The vessels
can only be transferred singly. During this transfer, which will
take at least 3 weeks, the "Faehre Ost" force can be made fully
ready for action. Group North adds that it is making tentative
preparations for the temporary transfer of the 6th PT Boat Flotilla,
about which the Naval Staff reserved decision. For copy of the
corresponding directives of Group North to the Commander, PT Boats
and the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea see Telegram 1548.
The main base for the PT Boat Flotilla could be Reval or Helsinki.
The decision is to be made by the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic
Sea, in agreement with the Naval Liaison Staff, Finland and the
Commanding Admiral, Baltic Countries.
V. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation :
Reconnaissance planes were very active over the Bay of
Biscay. An unsuccessful depth charge attack was made on an. inbound
submarine 140 miles north of Cape Ortegal.
2. Own Situation :
A BV 138 plane is scheduled to make an attempt at refuel-
ing submarine U "252" off the Olga Strait on 13 Aug.
Operations against the inbound convoy in the North Atlantic were
broken off. Although unfavorable weather conditions and strong
naval and air escorts made the operation extremely difficult, the
results are quite satisfactory. Unfortunately, 2 or 3 boats are
presumed to be lost (submarines U "210", "379", and probably "335").
In connection with the operation against ship traffic between England
and America, Group "Loss", consisting of 11 submarines, will take
up a patrol line from quadrants AL 1955 to AL 8165. Starting with
1200 on 19 Aug., the submarines are to observe radio silence, except
for tactical messages. No successes have been reported by submarines
operating off the American coast and the West Indies.
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11 Aug. 1942
Of the submarines in the South Atlantic, submarine U "130" reports
8 inking the tanker MIHLO (7,455 GRT) in quadrant ES 5198. Submarine
U "109" reports that she sank the tanker VTMEIRA (5,728 GRT) and
took the captain aboard.
The disposition of submarines in the western Mediterranean in accord-
ance with the Naval Staff directive has produced a first-rate result.
Submarine U "73" (Lieutenant Rosenbaum) scored 4 hits on the aircraft
carrier EAGLE proceeding in an eaatbound force in quadrant CH 9118.
To judge from sinking sounds, the ship must have been sunk.
In the eastern Mediterranean, submarine U "83" sighted 4 cruisers
and 10 destroyers on a westerly course in quadrant CP 5424. An
attack by the submarine was unsuccessful. For further reports see
supplement to the submarine situation in War Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
XL» Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity :
During the day our planes carried out reconnaissance
flights and raids on towns in England. Strong forces were employed
in night raids on Eastbourne, Wexhill, and Derby. 165 enemy in-
cursions over German-controlled territory, 100 of which were over
the Reich area, where 11 planes were shot down. The main target
was Mainz. For details of the heavy damage caused in Mainz and
Wiesbaden see daily situation report.
80 to 100 demolition bombs were dropped on Le Havre. No damage has
as yet been reported.
2. Mediterranean Theater ;
Throughout the day contact was maintained with the strong
enemy force of aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, destroyers,
and steamers, proceeding eastward in the western Mediterranean.
Bombers and torpedo planes were sent into action. According to a
preliminary report, 2 aircraft carriers and 1 cruiser were hit by
aerial torpedoes or bombs. Another warship wa6 set on fire by
bombs. A steamer was hit by an aerial torpedo.
Fighter attacks on Malta failed to produce any results of importance.
Fighter-bomber 8 of the Air Command, Africa scored well-plaoed hits
during their attaok north of Alamein.
3. Eastern Front :
100 enemy planes were shot down on 10 Aug. and 60 on 11
Aug. Reconnaissance activity is reported from the Black Sea. For
results see Enemy Situation, Black Sea.
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1* Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
The ARGUS was located in Gibraltar. At 0800 our air
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11 Aug. 1942
reconnaissance sighted the enemy force which had been located on
10 Aug^ It was heading east probably in 3 groups. An advance
escort group consisting of 1 carrier, 4 cruisers, 7 destroyers, and
1 steamer was located some 72 miles north of Algiers at 1245. The
main group of 3 battleships, probably including the RODNEY and the
NELSON, 3 aircraft carriers, probably including the WASP, some 20
to -25 «cruisere and destroyers, and about 20 steamers was proceeding
west of the advance escort group. An escort group of 6 destroyers
proceeding south of the main group was located some 75 miles north-
west of Algiers.
Interpretation of photographs showed the major part of the force,
i.e., 2 battleships, 3 aircraft carriers, including the FURIOUS and
the WASP, 4 light cruisers, 11 destroyers, 10 steamers, and 1 tanker
71 miles north of Algiers at 1425. Proceeding on a different route
were 1 aircraft carrier, 1 vessel presumed to be a battleship, 2
cruisers, 15 destroyers, and 8 steamers. It was in this group that
the aircraft carrier EAGLE was probably sunk at 1315.
At 1807 the apparently reunited force of 3 carriers, 2 battleships,
6 cruisers, 20 destroyers, and 21 steamers was 86 miles north-north-
east of Algiers.
At 1955 an aircraft carrier with 5 cruisers or destroyers and 1
steamer were reported proceeding on a southwesterly course 77 miles
north of Algiers. This was evidently a damaged aircraft carrier
which had turned back under escort. The major part of the force,
i.e. 40 to 50 vessels, was seen for the last time at 2120 while pro-
ceeding at 15 knots on a 7O course 114 miles northeast of Algiers.
4
In the night of 10 Aug. radio intelligence intercepted messages from
enemy cruisers about 150 miles east-southeast of Malta. Reconnais-
sance carried out in the morning was unable to determine whether
the vessels had entered Valletta, since the harbor was at that time
partly oovered by a smoke screen. Consequently, the radio intel-
ligence statement to this effect cannot be considered reliable.
The eastern Mediterranean, too, was the scene of lively activity.
A force of 4 cruisers and 10 destroyers was proceeding westward 150
miles north of Port Said (see Submarine Warfare). According to an
unconfirmed intelligence report, several loaded steamers are re-
ported to be in Alexandria from where they are scheduled to depart
for Malta on 12 Aug. Reconnaissance over Alexandria during the.
morning observed 1 destroyer, 6 small warships, and 13 steamers in
that harbor.
Submarines were found to be very active off the Italian harbors.
The Commanding General, Armed Forces South considers that the
operations in progress aim at something more than merely supplying
Malta.
2. Own Situation. Mediterranean :
Axis measures against the enemy convoy have begun. For air
attacks, 5 bomber groups and the aerial torpedo training unit
from Grossetto are available in Sicily. Other details are not known
to the Naval Staff.
In the night of 10 Aug. bomb fragments set an Italian PT boat on
fire in Marsa Matruh. The vessel was beached. On 11 Aug. an
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11 Aug. 1942
Italian landing craft struck a mine in the harbor of Marsa Mat run
but is still afloat.
On the basis of the report of the Italian Admiral at the Naval Staff
on mine laying in French territorial waters off Cape Bon, the Naval
Staff transmitted its approval and requested that it be considered
whether setting the mines for at least 73 hours might not ensure
greater protection and advantages.
The German Naval Command, Italy has been notified to this effeot
(see Telegram 1717).
Referring to the unsuccessful attempts by the Navy to have the
Italians lay a permanent minefield in the Strait of Sicily, the
Armed Forces High Command, Operations Staff asked the German General
at the Italian Armed Forces Headquarters on 7 Aug. to emphasize
jointly with the German Naval Command, Italy at the Italian High
Command that the suggestions and demands of the German Navy also
definitely represent the desire of the German Armed Forces High Com-
mand. He should point out to the Italian High Command the import-
ance of this measure and the undiminished willingness on the part
of the Germans to aid the Italians. It is suggested that in order
to achieve quick results it might be advisable for the German General
at the Italian Armed Forces Headquarters to mention only mining of
enemy-controlled area, and not for the time being, of the territorial
waters off the coast of Tunisia, to which the Italians are known to
be opposed.
In the meantime this last point has lost its import-
ance.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa ;
Transport of supplies from Italy and Greece to North Africa
and along the North African coast proceeded as planned.
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea ;
Nothing to report.
Black Sea ;
Enemy Situation ;
Air reconnaissance reports that 2 steamers departed from
Novorossisk and 2 tankers from Tuapse.
Own Situation :
During the second torpedo operation of the 1st PT Boat
Flotilla off the Caucasian coast in the night of 10 Aug., 3 PT boats
southeast of Gelendzhik fired 4 torpedoes on an unescorted tanker
and missed. After the attack the tanker was temporarily beached
but was not attacked again.
The mine-sweeping operation between Mariupol and Yeisk is under way.
1 landing craft and 1 ferry sank in the course of this operation off
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CONFIDENTIAL
11 Aug. 1942
Yeisk in the close vicinity of the coast on 10 Aug. as a result
of mine hits. Convoy operations proceeded as scheduled.
In view of the rapid progress of Army operations in the direction
of the Caspian Sea, Group South considers it necessary that a naval
liaison officer be sent immediately to the let Panzer Army in order
to safeguard the interests of the Navy and to prepare the transfer
of naval forces to the Caspian Sea in time. (See Telegram 1110.)
The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division and the Naval Officer Per-
sonnel Division have taken up the matter.
VIII. Situation East Asia
According to a U.S. Navy Department communique, U.S. forces
have landed on the Solomon Islands. During the landing operations
1 U.S. cruiser was sunk, while 2 other cruisers, 2 destroyers, and
1 transport were damaged. Numerous enemy vessels were destroyed
and many surface vessels were put out of commission. The attack
aims at driving the Japanese 'out of the Tulagi area and securing the
communication routes to Australia and New Zealand. The communique
states that the surprise landings were carried out according to plan,
The Japanese, however, quickly launched a counterattack. Heavy
fighting is still in progress. Considerable losses must be expected
on both sides.
According to an American broadcast, the operation against Kiska in
the Aleutians is completed. Nothing can be said about the results
until the participating naval forces have returned to their bases.
IX. Armv Situation
1. Russian Front ;
Army Group A :
The enemy countered the bombardment of the Taman Peninsula
with heavy artillery fire.
In the Kuban area our troops are fighting for the possession of
Slavyansk. One section of the town has already been taken. The
enemy is trying to attack Krasnodar from the southern bank of the
Kuban River, which is held by strong forces. A counterthrust has
been launched. The 1st Panzer Army has extended the bridgehead near
Maikop. Another bridgehead was established across the Byelaya River
near Abocheskaya. Cherkessk has been seized. Advance detachments
are pushing on toward the mountains.
The III Army Corps advanced in the direction of Elista after crossing
the undamaged bridge over the Manyoh River. .
Army Group B :
The battle of encirclement west of Kalach has ended. The
remnants of the 62nd and the 1st Panzer Armies, pushed into a small
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11 Aug. 1942
area, were either slaughtered or taken prisoner. Enemy attacks north
of Voronezh and south of Yelets continue.
Central Army Group ;
In the Byelev area our divisions have set out in northerly
direction to mop up the enemy in the Sukhinichi area. Movements of
the right wing and the center are in accordance with plans. On the
left wing, our offensive encountered a heavily mined fortified ter-
rain. Enemy troops continue their heavy attacks south of Rzhev.
Enemy tanks again succeeded in breaking through our lines. North of
Rzhev strong enemy forces have launched an attack. Fighting is still
in progress. Lack of air support makes our situation difficult.
Northern Army Group :
Local fighting is reported.
2. Finnish Front : * g
No fighting of importance occurred.
3. North Africa :
So far, no report has been received.
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12 Aug. 19^2
Items of Political Importance
In connection with the Mos cow conferences it is reported that more
U.C. officers have joined" General Bradley's mission in Moscow.
According to an Italian report, the Americans have demanded the
right to occupy Siberian air bases as jump-off points for their
attacks on Japan. For further conjectures on this subject see
Political Review No. 187, Paragraph 1.
The length of the conference, in which Churchill seems definitely
to be participating, /according to all available reports, indicates
that the problems under discussion are extremely important. Germany
would do well to realize that the British and the Americans are
concentrating their efforts exclusively on convincing Stalin that
an ultimate Allied victory is inevitable. Russia's offensive
strength on the sector of the Central Army Group continues un-
broken and indicates that the Russians do not yet intend to give
up.
The international press continues to discuss the problem of the
second front in Europe without bringing forth any new viewpoints.
At the present moment, the discussion is focused on the site of
the future operation. For details see Political Review No. 187,
Paragraph 2.
Great Britain :
A report from a diplomatic source on Great Britain's domestic
situation confirms the prevailing opinion that the country's
confidence in a final victory is unshaken. Churchill, who
has lost much of his popularity, is still considered irreplaceable.
Cripps has no influence whatsoever. The food situation is still
quite satisfactory but there is a great shortage of textiles.
Communist propaganda is undoubtedly making rapid progress, but
so far the menace is not considered very great.
According to the Daily Telegraph , *it is not intended to call a
Parliament session for discussion of the Indian question. The
Communists in Britain and the radical Socialists in the U.S.A.
have condemned the arrest of Gandhi and the Congress leaders.
Unrest continues in India but so far it has failed to assume
dangerous proportions.
France :
Laval spoke about the return of 50,000 French war prisoners in
exchange for 150,000 French skilled workers .
According to Swedish and Swiss press reports, rumors about an
internal coup d'etat are circulating in Vichy.
Conference on the Situation with th e Ch ief f Naval Staff
I. The Armed Forces High Command, Operations Staff rejected
the unjustified complaint of the African Panzer Army High Command
(see War Diary 10 Aug.) by issuing the following reply:
According to the Naval Staff, it will take 10 days to unload
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CONFIDENTIAL
12 Aug. 19i|2
the ANKARA, which arrived in Tobruk on 6 Aug. I9I4.2. The Naval
Staff considers this unloading rate satisfactory. Therefore and
on the .oasis of previous experience, the Armed forces High
Command, Operations Staff disagrees with the African Panzer Army-
High Command about the activity of the naval command in Tobruk.
Any special' wishes are to be taken up with Admiral Weichold
in Africa.
II. The Chief, Naval Quartermaster Division reports that the
Reich Commissioner of Maritime Shipping intends to obtain con-
trol of the tonnage available in unoccupied French harbors through
direct negotiations with the French. All efforts of the German
Armistice Commission, France and of the Foreign Office in this
direction are known to have failed so far.
The Fuehrer has decided that control of maritime shipping in the
Black Sea, claimed by the Reich Commissioner of Maritime Shipping,
shall for the time being remain with the Navy.
The Navy must realize that the demands of the
Reich Commissioner of Maritime Shipping will not
be satisfied until the Navy has been stripped
of any respbnsibllity for maritime shipping and
has lost the last vestige of influence in this
■ sphere. The farther the Navy retreats from its
basic demand for naval control of both the
Merchant Marine and the Navy for the duration of
the war, the more certain it is that the civilian
authorities will try to seize control of matters
closely related to both,
III. The Chief of the Foreign Affairs Section, Naval Staff
Operations Division reports that the German Embassy in Ankara
was directed to draw the attention of the Turkish Government
to the problem of merchant shipping protection within the
Turkish territorial waters. The Turkish Government replied that
the respective commands have been ordered to fire on any vessel
launching an attack in Turkish territorial waters. For details
see War Diary, Part C, Vol. VIII.
IV. The Chief, Naval Intelligence Division adds to his report
of 11 Aug. a discussion of the presumable reaction of the
Soviet fleet to a further advance of the German Army and to the
impending loss of its last bases. See War Diary, Part C, Vol. XlVa.
In a Very Restricted Circle :
V. The Naval Liaison Officer to the Army General Staff submits
his report of 8 Aug. on the Army situation (see War Diary 8 Aug.)
to the Chief of Staff, Naval Staff.
VT. The Chief, Operations Branch, Naval Staff Operations Division
reports that in contrast with the views held by the Naval Staff
with regard to the submarine operation off Cape Town (see War Diary
10 Aug.), the Commanding Admiral, Submarines considers it necessary
to permit the outbound submarines to attack enemy vessels as far
as I5 S, so that as many enemy ships can be sunk as possible. In
his opinion, there is no reason to fear that sinkings occurring
as far south as I5 S might affect enemy shipping in the Cape Town
area. The Commanding Admiral, Submarines has agreed to the Naval
Staff's demand for absolute radio silence.
-I28-
CONFIDENTIAL
12 Aug. 191+2
The arguments of the Commanding Admiral, Submarines have failed
to convince the Naval Staff. The Naval Staff views the planned
submarine operation off Cape Town as similar to operation M Pau«r
kenschlag", and therefore special measures are required to ensure
its success. For this reason the Naval Staff, after having re-
examined the plan, is unwilling to alter the stipulation that
the submarines remain unnoticed after crossing the equator, ex-
cept when there is a definite chance for an attack on battleships
or aircraft carriers.
For copies of the telegrams to and from the Commanding Admiral,
Submarines see l/Skl I u 1555/1|2 Gkdos. Chefs, in War Diary,
Part C, Vol. IV.
Special Items ;
I. On 7 Aug. G
ope r a t i on s orde
The purpose is
station in the
Greenland. A w
ship will leave
Arctic Ocean,
possible. The
the vicinity of
Spitsbergen.
roup North submitted to the Naval Staff Its
r to the weather ship HERMANN for operation "Holzauge w (
to establish a meteorological service and a radio
vicinity of Bismarck Cape on the eastern coast of
eather buoy is to be laid about half-way. The
the Narvik-Harstad area as directed by the Admiral,
The destination should be reached by 25 Aug., If
HERMANN will remain during the winter either In
Bismarck Cape or of the northeastern tip of
The Naval Staff points out that It would be wiser for the HERMANN
to camouflage herself as an Icelandic than as a Norwegian vessel
In case enemy planes should fly over the ship.
4
II. Concerning the development of harbor defenses in the west
area (see War Diary 11 Aug.), the Naval Staff has transmitted
the following priority list to the Permanent Representative of
the Commander in Chief, Navy at the Fuehrer Headquarters and to
the Naval Representative on the Armed Forces High Command, Oper-
ations Staff:
1. Large harbors:
Small harbors:
Cherbourg, Le Havre, Hook of Holland
Caen, Fecamp, St. Malo, Granville, ■
Lezardrieux
2.
Large harbors: Brest, Lorient, St. Nazaire, La Palllce,
Gironde estuary, Flushing and the Scheldt
estuary
Small harbors: Morlalx, l'Aber-Vrach, Concarneau, Les
Sables, D'Olonne
Large harbors: Boulogne, Calais, Dunkirk, Ostend,
I jmuiden
k*
Small harbors:
Small harbors :
Le Treport, Zeebrugge
Den Holder, Bayonne, Arcachon, St. Jean-
de-Luz, as well as all the other small
harbors covered by the defense development
project for the entire coast front.
-I29-
CONFIDENTIAL
12 Aug. I9I4.2
Situation 12 Aug. I9U2
L War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
North Atla'ntlc ;
According t an intelligence report from Canada dated
29 Jul., most of the grain shipments during June and July went,
to Russia and to the armies in the Near East, Iceland, and Alaska;
quite a number of Russian ships loaded with grain have left for
harbors in Siberia, and the loading is still going on. The next
large convoy of .ships carrying wheat and flour will depart from
St. Lawrence Ri v er harbors for England approximately between llj.
and 19 Aug . At least 26 to 29 steamers will be loaded with
nothing but grain. Some of them are already arriving to start
loading. These ships will be joined by freighters carrying
lumber, ore (Newfoundland), metals, etc., and will depart under
a particularly heavy escort without U.S. shipments. At New-
foundland the ships will presumably be joined by 9 or 1° ore
freighters. '
Indian Ocean :
According to an intelligence report of 3 Aug. re-
ceived via Vienna, 6 (Tr. N.: This number was originally 66,
but was changed to 6 by a marginal note on 2I4. Oct. I9I4.2.)
American ships carrying 3I1, 000 tons of ammunition, tanks, and
planes for Palestine, Egypt, and Russia entered Basra between
19 and 26 Jul. Early in July the i|th U.S. Tank Brigade destined
for Egypt landed in Basra. The road between Basra and Kowelt is
not yet completed. New highways are being built from Eagdad to
Basra, Mosul, and Kirkuk. The second railway line between Eagdad
and Basra is under construction.
2. Own Situation :
Radiogram O53O contains the information that the TANNENFELS
is carrying supplies from Yokohama for ship "10" and other vessels.
Via Radiogram 2309 all vessels in foreign waters are being notified
that from now on the Japanese Navy wishes all prisoners to be de-
barked in Batavia.
Via Radiogram 2017 all vessels in foreign waters are being informed
that the first departure of the UCKERMAFK failed and that, as a
result, it is possible to postpone the order prohibiting the
submarines from attacking enemy vessels on route "Anton".
Radiogram O716 contains further information on the efforts
to influence Chile's attitude in international matters. The
gradual weakening of her previous stand may be attributed to the
following factors:
a. The President's loss of authority due to his inactivity
and the resulting strengthening of leftist power.
b. A tempting American offer to nationalize the Chilean
copper mines.
-I30-
CONFIDENTIAL
12 Aug. 19U2
c.
war, in
circles
The fact that we. are not fast enough in winning the
the opinion of the Chilean political leaders (military
have little to say). Thus, for example, our failure
to conquer Egypt has given
Chile.
a new impetus to our opponents in
The Naval Attache in Tokyo is being informed via Telegram 0230
that on 11 Aug. a strong enemy force was located In the western
Mediterranean and that after the sinking of the EAGLE there were
apparently still 3 carriers, presumably Including the WASP, 3
battleships, among them presumably the RODNEY and the NELSON,
and 1 battle cruiser with that force.
The Naval Staff has transmitted to Group West, Naval Office
Bordeaux, for distribution to the respective captains, sailing
orders for the blockade-runners IRENE, SPICHERN, BUFGENLAND, RIO
GRANDE, and BRAKE.
These ships are to take goods to Japan. They can depart during
the new-moon period in September. Group West will determine the
date of departure and will be In command up to 3O W.
For copy no. h, of the sailing orders see l/Skl I k 1535A 2
Gkdos. Chefs, in War Diary, Part C, Vol. I.
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation ; '
Air reconnaissance spotted lively convoy and steamer
traffic in the western part of the English Channel and the
northern outlet of the. Bristol Channel.
One of our submarines sighted a submerged enemy submarine in the
area off the Loire estuary.
2. Own Situation ;
Atlantic Coast ;
Mine -detonating vessels swept 6 ground mines on route
"Herz". I4. mine detonations, presumably caused by self -ignition,
were observed in the Gironde estuary. 3 more detonations occurred
near lie d'Oleron and lie de Re.
Group West reports that on 10 Aug. there were repeated and partly
successful air attacks on in and outbound submarines, and the first
blockade-runner to depart was located, attacked, and shadowed
by British reconnaissance planes, and was thus forced to turn back.
The forces of the Air Command, Atlantic Coast are at present ao
weak that the operations scheduled at short intervals in September
are jeopardized. The blockade-runners can leave for their vital
missions only when the available reconnaissance forces have been
increased, and new forces have been brought up to protect the
ships and to fight enemy planes. Group West considers the alloca-
tion of one complete group of FW 200' s and one of Ju 88 's (the
latter as auxiliary long-range fighters) as an indispensable
-I5I-
CONFIDENTIAL
12 Aug. I9I4.2
minimum*
The Chief, Naval Staff had submitted a similar re-
quest to the Fuehrer after his return from the in- v
spection tour in France. The Naval Staff will use
the very serious threat to blockade-runner traffic
to lend emphasis to this demand.
No incidents occurred when the UCKERMARK was being brought in.
Group West further reports that the demand of the Commanding
Admiral, Subuarines for reinforcement of the escort forces of
the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, West in the Bay of Biscay (see
War Diary 3 Aug.) cannot be fulfilled unless an additional new
mine sweeper or torpedo boat flotilla can be allocated. Until
then, the suggestions made by the Commanding Admiral, Submarines
can be followed only on occasion. Concerning the disposition of
the new mine sweeper flotillas along the west coast, Group West
reports that the bth Mine Sweeper Flotilla is operating In the
southern part and the 2nd Mine Sweeper Flotilla In the northern
part of the Bay of Biscay. By the end of August the 2nd Mine
Sweeper Flotilla will have to enter the shipyard. In September,
the 6th Mine Sweeper Flotilla will operate in the southern
part and the 8th Mine Sweeper Flotilla in the northern part of
the Bay of Biscay. By the end of September the 8th Mine Sweeper
Flotilla will have to enter the shipyard. From October till
December the 6th Mine Sweeper Flotilla will be available In the
southern part of the Bay of Biscay.
The 3rd Torpedo Boat Flotilla is undergoing a J-d&j overhaul
in the shipyard of La Palllce.
Channel Coast ;
During the enemy air raid on Le Havre in the night
of 11 Aug. some property damage was caused in the naval com-
munications building. During the day, numerous balloons with
explosives attached were observed over the areas of Dunkirk
and Calais.
At 221+7 naval and Army batteries fired on a westbound convoy
south of Ramsgate. The effect was not observed.
Special Items ;
Group North took up the matter of detailing a naval liaison
officer to Army Group D, in accordance with the previous sugges-
tion of Group West, which had been rejected. To safeguard the
interests of the Navy with the Commander in Chief, West, Group
North requests that this suggestion be approved, because the
distance between headquarters of Group North and those of the
Commander in Chief, West hampers their cooperation considerably
and produces friction in the Netherlands area, which could be
eliminated by appointing a naval liaison officer. (See Telegram
12^5.)
The Naval Staff definitely endorses this suggestion
while realizing that the present shortage of per-
sonnel makes it almost impossible to fulfill.
-I32-
CONFIDENTIAL
12 Aug. I9I4.2
III* North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea ;
Enemy Situation ;
Air reconnaissance observed only light convoy traffic
along the southeast coast.
Own Situation ;
5 ground mines were swept. Otherwise there is nothing
to report.
2. Norway, Arctic Ocean
Enemy Situation ;
The lively air activity over the west coast on 10 Aug.
was evidently a systematic search for the LUETZOVV. Radio in-
telligence failed to yield further details concerning the re-
sults of this reconnaissance.
No tactical results were obtained from the reconnaissance
carried as far -as the southern tip of Ireland and north of
Iceland up to 23° W.
Bad weather prevented photographic reconnaissance of Reykjavik
which was planned in search of convoy PQ 18. Visual reconnaissance
failed to spot any enemy forces.
Own Situation ;
On 10 Aug. the Russian battery on the Rybachl Peninsula
unsuccessfully fired on land targets. The attack was met by
counterfire. All 3 torpedoes fired on an eastbound convoy in
quadrant AC 814-59 missed their target. The submarine chase, in
the course of which 110 depth charges were dropped, seems to
have been unsuccessful. On 11 Aug. Russian planes launched a
low-level attack on Gamvik. A reconnaissance plane flew over.
Bergen and the Grlmstad Fjord on 11 Aug.
The steamer GEORGE L. M. RUSS sank after an explosion in quadrant
AN 3l6l» The captain assumes that she was hit by a torpedo. The
steamer BOLTENHAGEN sank in quadrant AN 3513 as a result of a
mine hit. The shipping channel of Krlstiansand South is closed
as far as Stavanger.
Group "Rebelkoenig" has been ordered to shift its operations
area by 155 miles in the direction of 80° proceeding at a speed
of approximately 9 knots. The order was based on the assumption
that convoy PQ 18, if at all en route, must have passed the line
between Bear Island and Spitsbergen. Since visibility has im-
proved enough to permit fairly reliable, although by no means
definite and complete reconnaissance, it is becoming doubtful
whether convoy PQ 18 actually was located. Under the circumstances,
the press report about the arrival of a convoy In a harbor of north-
ern Russia (see War Diary 11 Aug.) may actually be authenic.
-I53-
CONFIDENTIAL
12 Aug. 191+2
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation :
According to an intelligence report from Norway, 5
Norwegian ships are in Ooeteborg; two of them, the DICTO and
the LIONEL, have Britishers aboard. An attempt will probably
be made to have the ships depart one by one. One ship and 3
new Norwegian vessels are in Malmoe. These will probably
depart first.
2. Own Situation :
A Danish fishing boat sank west of Samsoe, after a
British aerial mine exploded in the net. The weather ship
HERMANN departed for Norway, en route for operation "Holzauge",
Convoy and transport operations in the area of the Commanding
Admiral, Defenses, Baltic Sea proceeded according to plan.
The transfer of the LUETZOlft has been completed.
The naval situation in the area of the Commander, Mine Sweepers
Baltic Sea remained unchanged.
1
The Commander, PT boats declared that a number of preliminary
measures are required if 8 vessels of the 6th PT Boat Flotilla
are transferred to the Gulf of Finland without a tender. For
details see Telegram O9I+O. The Commander, PT boats reports
that preparations for the planned operation of the 6th PT
Boat Flotilla in the west area are either completed or under
way.
Group North has transmitted to the Naval Staff a report of the
Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea, stating that the Finnish
High Command is not so strongly opposed to the transfer of the
small coastal mine-laying craft and the Italian subchasers
from Lake Ladoga as is assumed by higher commands. At the con-
ference in Kotka, the commander of the 1st Air Force likewise
admitted the uselessness of keeping these vessels in Lake
Ladoga. The Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea suggests
that the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, Baltic Sea report on
the matter to the Finnish Marshal personally. Group North ■
requests approval of this suggestion (see Telegram I5I+8).
The Naval Staff will achieve its objective without following
this suggestion, which appears inadvisable since the Armed
Forces High Command Operations Staff is already working on the
matter.
V. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation :
Reconnaissance over the Bay of Biscay was particularly
active. At 2208 a British vessel was located 60 miles north-
west of Bordeaux.
A broadcast reporting the sinking of an American steamer by a
submarine off Florida was intercepted from the American cnast
-13U-
CONFIDENTIAL
12 Aug. 19^2
area. Submarine sighting reports were repeatedly intercepted
from off the West Indies.
• 2. Ovm Situation ;
For the operation of group "Nebelkoenig" see Situation
Arctic Ocean.
No incidents occurred in the North Atlantic. In the western
Atlantic, submarine U "86" sank the auxiliary sailing vessel
WAWALOMA in quadrant CC I4.5 on 6 Aug. In the West Indies, sub-
marine U n 15S" sank the Dutch steamer CURACAO (383 GRT), and
submarine U "66" sank the steamer ROSAWIE (about 5,000 GRT).
The captain was taken aboard. No reports have been received
from the submarines in the South Atlantic.
Mediterranean ;
The British Admiralty has admitted the loss of the
EAGLE. No further successes have so far been reported in
connection with submarine attacks on that convoy.
In the eastern Mediterranean, submarine U "77" sank 5 more
sailing freighters.
3# Special Items ;
Due to the fact that the UCKERMARK has re-entered port,
the order prohibiting submarines to attack enemy vessels on route
"Anton" is being temporarily revoked for the sector south of 20 N.
In this sector, the submarines are free to attack until further
notice as far south as 5 S and as far east as 20° W between 0° and
5° S. For the time being, the submarines are still prohibited
from attacking north of 20° N. For information sent to the
Commanding Admiral, Submarines, with copy to Group West, see
Telegram 1719.
VT. Aerial Warfare
■
1. British Isles and Vicinity ;
On the night of 11 Aug. and on 12 Aug. a few of our
planes raided various English towns j some effects were observed.
In the night of 12 Aug. bombs were dropped on Edinburgh and a
neighboring airfield. In the same night enemy planes carried
out some 100 incursions into the Reich area, again concentrating
their attacks on Mainz. Cologne and Muenchen-Gladbach were also
raided.
2. Mediterranean Theater ;
According to preliminary oral reports, 1+ waves of
German planes attacked the convoy located in the western Mediter-
ranean between 0922 and 20I4.8. Hits were reported on 1 aircraft
carrier, I4. to 6 cruisers, li|. steamers, and 1 tanker. Of the
vessels hit, 5 merchantmen are mentioned as sunk. The aircraft
carrier, alleged to be the WASP, is said to have been put out of
commission.
-135-
12 Aug. 19^2
3. Eastern Front ;
Our dive bombers scored- well-placed hits while attack"
ing the enemy anti-aircraft artfllery position in front of the
Mountain Corps, Norway. For results of reconnaissance carried
out over the Arctic Ocean see Enemy Situation, Arctic Ocean. No
further reports have been received.
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean ;
Western Mediterranean ;
In the evening the FURIOUS, listing slightly and
escorted by 3 destroyers, entered Gibraltar from the east. One
of the destroyers debarked 200 to 250 men who had probably been
ship-wrecked. Axis air forces maintained contact with the con-
voy from dawn. At 1100 the convoy was reported proceeding at
a speed of 13 to 15 knots on a 90° course 50 miles north of Bone
and consisting at that time of 2 or 3 battleships, 2 aircraft
carriers, 5 cruisers, 21 destroyers, and 19 steamers and tankers,
including 1 passenger ship. The sections of the convoy had
evidently been reunited, but the formation was stretched over
a wide area. At I7OO its position was reported 26 miles northwest
of Cape Blanc. Toward 1930 the heavy ships and part of the
other escort forces turned back westward about 35 miles northeast
of Bizerte. The rest of the convoy continued to proceed eastward.
At 2230 it was assumed to be off Cape Bon.
Air reconnaissance reported that early in the morning 2 des-
troyers and 2 steamers were proceeding on a westerly course
south of La Galite. These vessels were observed for the last
time at 083O when proceeding some 30 miles west of La Galite,
The vessels presumably departed from Valletta where they had
been staying since the last convoy operation in June.
There was nothing noteworthy to report from the western Mediter-
ranean. The cruiser group which had been sighted on 11 Aug. was
not intercepted again.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean ;
The Italian Admiral at the Naval Staff has transmitted
a report from the Italian Admiralty Staff stating that on the
night of 11 Aug. a minefield set for 72 hours was laid in the
French territorial waters off Cape Bon.
Enemy air raids on Navarino and Cagliari on the night of 10 Aug.
and on 11 Aug. did not cause any damage to the Italian naval
forces or installations.
The German Naval Command, Italy reports that on the night of 12
Aug. it intends to setid 5 vessels of the 3rd PT Boat Flotilla
under the Flotilla Commander from Porto Empedocle to the area
off Cape Bon. 2 PT boats will remain In Marsa Matruh ready for
action against enemy forces in the eastern Mediterranean. No
submarines are ready for action except 2 in the operations area
-I36-
CONFIDENTIAL
12 Aug. 1942
in the eastern and 2 in the western Mediterranean. The Italians
have made provisions for sending out 12 to 15 PT boats. The
question whether the Italians can send out 2 cruiser divisions
depends on whether the available fighter protection will be
assigned to these naval forces or to the Air Force bomber planes,
The Duce will probably decide in favor of the Air Force.
The Admiral, German Naval Command, Italy has done everything in
his power to support the planned fleet action. If the decision
is made against this action, the Admiral feels that it will mean
missing the big chance of annihilating the largest convoy under-
taken so far in the Mediterranean after the heavy enemy naval
forces, superior in number and arms, have withdrawn.
Nothing is known about the number of Italian submarines at sea.
The Italian Air Force reports hits on an aircraft carrier and 3
cruisers, as well as the sinking of 2 merchant ships.
The reports received so far do not give a clear picture of suc-
cesses scored by the Italian and German planes and submarines.
In addition to the EAGLE, which was sunk, and the FURIOUS, which
returned to Gibraltar in damaged condition, a third carrier is
said to h'ave been heavily damaged by dive bombers.
The Naval Staff has asked the Commander in Chief, Air Force to
allocate the first 2 of the 5 new mine-sweeping planes which
will be released in August to the Commanding General, Armed
Forces, South for the Mediterranean. No further planes can be
allocated since there are only 9 such planes at the present t
time, and 7 of them are not ready for action.
The German Naval Command, Italy has received a reply to this
effect (see War Diary 4 Aug.).
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa :
In view of the enemy situation, the transport of
supplies to North Africa has been held up. Supply traffic along
the North African coast and between Greece and Italy proceeded
according to schedule.
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea :
Enemy Situation :
On 11 Aug. a submarine was sighted off Milos.
Own Situation :
Upon request of the Italian Admiralty, the destroyer
ZG "3" is assigned to temporary duty with the 8th Italian
Cruiser Division in Navarino after bringing a convoy Into Suda.
Small vessels are again permitted to sail in the northern
Aegean as far as Cape Sunium.
-137-
CONFIDENTIAL
12 Aug. 19i;2
As for the submarine defense in the Aegean Sea, which considering
the heavy convoy traffic (up to i| convoys simultaneously) has
become a serious problem, the Commanding Admiral, Aegean Sea and
the Shipyard Control Staff have been trying in vain to obtain
German workers needed for the completion of a subchaser and 5 sub-
marine decoys, as well as 2l\. armed trawlers in Skaramanga, and to
arrive at a satisfactory solution of the problems of food and pay
f or- fhe Greek workers. Group South is justified in urging the
Naval Staff Submarine Division and the Naval Construction Division
to reverse their position on these points and to take the necessary
steps with the Italian Admiralty in order finally to bring about
the completion of the I4. subchasers and the auxiliary cruiser DRACHE
under construction in Trieste. Group South further demands the
following: additional landing craft, 20 of which were destined
for the Aegean Sea but have in the meantime been sent elsewhere;
investigation of whether the Italian Admiralty can , make any more
escort vessels available; more of the particularly well-suited
Spanish steamers which so far have escaped any submarine attacks.
For copy of the telegram from Group South see l/Skl 1975UA2 Gkdos .
in War Diary, Part C, Vol. XIV.
Black Sea :
a. No reports about the naval situation have been
received because of interrupted communications.
b. With regard to the assignment of available landing
craft to the task of transporting supplies for Army Group A, the
Permanent Representative of the Commander in Chief, Navy at the
Fuehrer Headquarters transmits to the Naval Staff Operations Divi-
sion, with copy to the Admiral, Black Sea, the following wish
expressed by the Fuehrer in supplement to the orders Issued to
the Naval Staff:
(1) Since the available transport tonnage is hardly
sufficient for simultaneous execution of all tasks, the vessels
are to be assigned in accordance with the wishes of Army Group A.
3 tasks are under consideration at the present moirent:
(a) Transport of supplies to Yeisk.
(b) Transport of supplies up the Don River, later as
far as Kalach.
(c) Ferrying troops across the Kerch Strait.
The last-mentioned task is not yet urgent, while, as far as can
be foreseen, tasks ,(a) and (b) are of equal urgency. According
to a statement by the Chief of Army Transport, vessels can pass
under the Don bridges. Supplies can be transported up the Don
River, and as soon as a mine-free route has been swept, to Yeisk
as well.
(2) As soon as the Army Group has reached the coast
south of the Caucasus, the supply of fuel by sea will become urgent.
For this purpose even motor mine sweepers and PT boats carrying
barrels on deck should be employed, if necessary; the supply of
fuel is a prerequisite for carrying on the operation. No large
quantities will be required since the number of motorized units
employed in the operation is small. Details of this problem are
-I38-
CONFIDENTIAL
12 Aug. 19k2
likewise to be agreed upon with Army Group A.,
Paragraph (1) is in keeping with orders which the
Naval Staff has already issued to Group South. The
direct intervention of the Fuehrer Headquarters
in the solution of the transport problem, about
which the Army Quartermaster and Group South are
conferring at the present time at Bucharest, is
rather unfortunate in the opinion of the Naval
Staff. As things stand, the transport of supplies
in the Black Sea is an operational matter of direct
concern to the Navy. It is to be feared that these
various orders will place the Admiral, Black Sea
in a difficult position. The Naval Staff will
try to clarify the matter.
c. The Naval Staff's inquiry at the Army General
Staff, Intelligence Division, East about transport opportunities
in the Caspian Sea was answered to the effect that the Italian
subchasers can, under certain circumstances, be transported
on the road from Rostov via Tikhoryetsk-Armavir-Georgievsk to
Makhach Kala or from Rostov via Peschanokopskoye-Progradnoye-
Voroshilovsk-Georgievsk to Makhach Kala. If necessary, the
hills in the vicinity of Voroshilovsk will have to be bypassed
by taking the route via Petrovskoye. The roads are said to be
5 to 8 m. wide.
Group South has been notified accordingly.
VIII. Situation East Asia
No noteworthy reports have been received.
IX. Army Situation
1. Russian Front ;
Army Group A t
Kerch was under heavy enemy gunfire, possibly to con-
ceal a withdrawal. In the Kuban area, our troops have reached
and taken Ivorskaya. South of Ivorskaya the 12th Panzer Division
is fighting against stiff enemy resistance In swampy, wooded
terrain. South and northwest of Maikop there is also some mopping
up to be carried out. The 111th Infantry Division has reached
Elista, the 370th the area northwest of Elista. The 1st Mountain
Division took Kardoniskaya (30 km. south-southwest of Cherkessk).
Army Group B :
The right wing of the Ij.th Panzer Army succeeded in
gaining ground to the north against strong enemy resistance. The
Rumanian units on the Myshkoba River are likewise faced by strong
-I39-
CONFIDENTIAL
12 Aug. 19[|.2
enemy forces. The regrouping of the 6th Army in the Kalach area
is proceeding according to plan. Enemy attacks in the Svoboda area
were repulsed. The 2nd Army is fighting a fierce defense battle
near Voronezh and south of Yelets,
Central Army Group ;
A strong enemy counterattack held up our offensive in
the area of Sukhinichi. The defense battle of Rzhev reached its
climax in the fierce fighting against strong enemy tank forces
concentrated in a small area. The front south of the point of
penetration was generally maintained. After putting our armored
forces out of action, the enemy succeeded in throwing our lines
north of Rzhev back toward the south despite continuous attacks
by our planes. Our losses are quite heavy. Further enemy
reinforcements are being brought up. Another enemy attack had
to be countered near Byeloi.
The Russians are evidently attempting to strike
a heavy blow at this point in order to relieve
Stalingrad which is the main objective of this
year's summer campaign.
Northern Army Group ;
All attacks against the land bridge to the II Army
Corps south of Lake Ilmen were repulsed.
2. Finnish Front ;
No fighting of importance was reported.
3. North Africa ;
The situation remained unchanged.
-ll+O-
CONFIDENTIAL
13 Aug. 1942
Items of Political Importance
Except for unauthoritative comments in the press, no reports
have been received concerning the conferences in Moscow and the
problem of the second front in Europe .
According to a statement by the British Government, authorities
in India have the situation entirely under their control. There
are no indications whatsoever of any important mass movement.
Unrest is confined to a few large towns. For further details on
the Indian problem see Political Review, No. 188, Paragraph 3.
Portugal :
Concern about the situation is growing under the ever-increasing
pressure by the British. Salazar is working out a detailed note
concerning the effect of the British blockade.
Sweden:
Since Moscow has rejected Sweden's representations against the
violations of her neutrality, Sweden is contemplating the re-
call of her ambassador from Kuibyshev "for a report".
Turkey :
The German Government has agreed that Turkey should take over the
U.S. planes which made emergency landings on Turkish territory.
The crews have been interned.
*
Japan :
According to circles connected with the Korean liberation move-
ment, a Korean made an attempt on the lives of Premier Toyo and
ex-Premier Hirota. Hirota is said to have been badly injured,
while Toyo suffered minor injuries.
Conference on the Situation with the Chief, Naval Staff
I. The Chief, Naval Staff Communications Division reports that
the installation of radar sets on Italian submarines, in com-
pliance with the request of the Italian Navy, cannot be started
before September because our requirements must be met first. The
7-day test of the instruments by a submarine in the Bay of Biscay
is now being carried out.
II. The Naval Attache in Tokyo reports that Japan's wishes con-
cerning the equipment, etc. to be carried by the Japanese sub-
marine I n 30 n are being fully complied with. The submarine is to
depart on 22 Aug.
III. The Chief, Naval Intelligence Division reports that the agree-
ment between the German Ambassador in Ankara and Foreign Minister
Menemencioglu, providing for a strictly confidential relay of in-
formation of military importance received by the Turkish Foreign
Ministry, has now gone into effect.
-nn-
CONFIDENTIAL
13 Aug. 1942
In a Very Restricted Circle ;
IV. Group West gives an account of the circumstances accompany-
ing the unsuccessful departure of the blockade-runner UCKERMARK.
On 10 Aug. at 1700, a Wellington bomber approached the ship at
440 91 n, 8° 16 » W without dropping bombs. It was observed that
most of our antiaircraft projectiles rebounded from the target.
During his second attack at 1710 the enemy used machine guns.
Thereupon the UCKERMARK changed to an easterly course. The enemy
maintained contact with the ship until 1800. At 1716 the ship
reported that she was being shadowed and that she intended to
continue the breakthrough if the weather became worse. Since,
however, the weather improved, and she would have had to wait
another 5 hours until darkness, the ship sent a short signal at
1935 reporting that she had decided to turn back. Group West
does not approve of the captain's decision. Unfortunately, the
radio message sent at 1716 did not reach Group West because a
wrong code was used. Otherwise the Group would have recommended
that the ship turn back again and continue her voyage at night-
fall. The strange thing is that radio intelligence failed to
intercept any enemy reconnaissance message concerning this event.
The incident again proves that more planes are needed. A special
request to this effect has already been received (see War Diary
12 Aug.) and will be used by the Naval Staff to back up its pre-
vious demand for increased air protection.
The Naval Staff cannot readily subscribe to the opinion of the
Group Command disapproving the action of the UCKERMARK. The
events of 10 Aug. definitely jeopardized the safe departure of
this particularly valuable blockade-runner, the first to depart
this season. The UCKERMARK will have a better chance to break
through after the air forces. in the Bay of Biscay area have been
reinforced, than if she- had tried to shake off the enemy during
the 6 short hours of darkness. As a matter of fact the Naval
Liaison Officer to the Air Force Operations Staff has reported
that the Air Force Operations Staff has in the meantime complied
with the request of the Chief, Naval Staff to the Fuehrer and
has ordered that the forces of the. Air Command, Atlantic Coast
be brought up to a full-strength Ju 88 fighter group for patrol
of the Bay of Biscay.
V. a. According to another communication from the Naval
Liaison Officer to the Air Force Operations Staff, dated 8 Aug.,
the Chief of the Air Force General Staff issued an order, based
on the report of the Commander in Chief, Navy to the Fuehrer
about his inspection tour in western France, by which 10 more
minesweeping planes are to be made available. The mine-
sweeping planes now -available are to be distributed as follows:
6 planes for the 3rd Air Force, 2 for the Air Force Group Com-
mand, Central Area, and 1 for the Commanding General, Armed
Forces, South.
The Naval Staff Operations Division suggests that 2 of the 5
minesweeping planes becoming available in August be allocated
to the Commanding General, Armed Forces, South and 3 to the Air
Force Group Command, Central Area. This would mean that the
3rd Air Force will have 6, the Air Force Group Command, Central
Area 5, and the Commanding General, Armed Forces, South 3 mine-
sweeping planes at their disposal. The Naval Staff agrees with
the suggestion that 5 of the 10 additional planes which will be-
come available by 1 Oct. 1942 be allocated to the 3rd Air Force
-ll|2-
CONFIDENTIAL
13 Aug. 194k;
and the other 5 to the Air Force Group Command, Central Area. The
monthly production of 2 mine-sweeping planes during the following
months will be needed for replacements.
b. The Air Force Operations Staff considers the enemy's
night raid on Osnabrueck of 9 Aug. as very successful, particularly
in view of the fact that it was executed during the new-moon period.
The attack must have been guided by radio beams. During the new-
moon nights the effectiveness of our night fighter operations is
considerably reduced. Our own planes often do not locate their tar-
gets in the British Isles.
c. In case of operations on the Iberian Peninsula, the
objections of the Chief, Naval Staff regarding the proximity of
the airfields'to the coast will be taken into account. The Air
Force Operations Staff fully recognises the validity of these ob-
jections.
Special Items :
I. A map showing damage and losses from aerial mines and bombs
dropped by the enemy in July 1942 show a concentration on the
German Bight and the western part of the Baltic Sea. This infor-
mation was sent to Groups West and North, the Commanding Admiral,
Norway, the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, West, the Commanding
Admiral, Defenses, North, the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, Baltic
Sea, and the Air Force. See copy no. 9 of l/Skl IE 19035/42
Gkdos. in War Diary, Part C, Vol. VI.
II, • On 16 Jul. the Air Force General attached to the Commander in
Chief, Navy stipulated the basic requirements for providing and
training initial and replacement flying personnel for the GRAF
ZEPPELIN. These requirements were submitted to the respective Air
Force departments (see War Diary 16 Jul.). The additional re-
quirements in personnel, which will result if the 5 aircraft car-
riers demanded by the Fuehrer become available by the end of 1944,
make it necessary to handle the personnel problem outside of the
Navy. Thus a naval air force must be created, which would in-,
elude the carrier-based planes.
This problem must be solved because the Naval Staff believes that
in the long run not only the morale of the crews but also the
readiness of the ships to go into action will be affected if com-
mand over the personnel alternates constantly between Air Force
and Navy.
Moreover, the Naval Staff is of the opinion that the organization
and maintenance of the carrier and ship plane forces will create
an undesirable personnel and training problem for the Air Force.
On the one hand, this may delay the operational readiness of the
ships; on the other, it may serve to diminish the expected op-
position of the Commander in Chief, Air Force to an independent
naval air force.
\
The Naval Staff has therefore approached the Naval Staff Quarter-
master Division, the Naval Officer Personnel Division, the Naval
Recruitment Division, and the Air Force General attached to the
Commander in Chief, Navy In order to initiate the necessary steps
to solve this problem in time.
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CONFIDENTIAL
13 Aug. 1942
For copy 7 see l/Skl 17432/42 Gkdos. in War Diary, Part C, Vol.
V.
III. Radio Intelligence Report No. 32/42 of the Naval Communica-
tions Division, Communications Intelligence Branch contains a
compilation of enemy reports intercepted by the radio decoding
and radio intercept services between 3 and 9 Aug. 1942.
The results of radio decoding are still extremely poor since up
to now we have not been able to break the new British and Ameri-
can codes. An approximately accurate picture of the disposition
of the enemy's naval forces, based on radio intelligence data,
is therefore lacking at the present time.
Situation 13 Aug. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters |
1. Enemy Situation ;
South Atlantic ;
The British steamer NURJEHAN sent a QQQ signal from
quadrant ET 8240. The Admiral, Freetown reported on 5 Aug. that
one vessel had proceeded on an easterly course until 17 Jul. and
was later sunk by a PT boat operating with an auxiliary cruiser.
The size of the auxiliary cruiser is 3,500 GRT, that of an ac-
companying ship about 1,000 GRT. The report probably refers to
the sinking of the GLOUCESTER CASTLE by the light PT boat from
ship "28". The GLOUCESTER CASTLE sent an SSS message from 6° 30'
S, 1° E on 16 Jul. at 2257.
A report of the headquarters in Freetown concerning the sinking
of the steamer DALHOUSIE on 9 Aug. states; "At present no British
naval forces available for rendering aid. 1 '
The Naval Attache in Lisbon reports that on 1 Aug. a convoy con-
sisting of 5 troop transports and 20 steamers and escorted by 1 *
vessel of the ILLUSTRIOUS class, 2 cruisers, and 12 destroyers ™
was sighted in Freetown.
The Consulate in Lourenco Marques reports that on 10 Aug. 1
cruiser and 3 destroyers, as well as 2 ships of the size of the
steamer QUEEN MARY, departed from Cape Town in southeasterly
direction.
2. Own Situation ;
Via Telegram 2100 the Naval Staff notified the Naval
Attache in Tokyo that the captain of the DOGGERBANK has been
awarded the German Cross in gold. At the same time the Naval
Attache was requested to ask the captain to report at his con-
venience on the morale and behavior of the crew of the DOGGER-
BANK during the unusually- long and uneventful periods of wait-
ing.
CONFIDENTIAL
13 Aug. 1942
Via Radiogram 1629 the Naval Staff Informs all vessels In foreign
waters about the production of new enemy ships in 1942 and about
other enemy plans for overcoming the transportation crisis. Radio-
gram 2241 contains corrections on the Japanese statement concern"
ing the naval battle in the Solomon Islands. Information on the
enemy situation is sent out via Radiogram 0614.
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
2. Own Situation ;
Atlantic Coast ;
No incidents of importance occurred.
Channel Coast ;
Prom 0124 to 0133 our batteries fired on enemy ships
located in quadrants BP 3322 and 3321. After the first salvo,
the ships withdrew on zigzag courses. Beginning at 0245, the
long-range battery at St. Margaret on Cliff opened fire on a
German convoy off Cape Blanc Nez. An Army battery returned the
fire from 0251 to 0337. Prom 0314 on, the enemy continued a
rapid fire. The projectiles struck off Cape Blanc Nez and in
front of the soldiers' cemetery west of Sangatte.
A mine-detonating vessel swept a mine at point "Herz 222".
III. North Sea t Norway. Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea :
Except for 2 ground mines swept in quadrant AN 6998, no
incidents were reported.
2. Norway, Arctic Ocean ;
Enemy Situation ;
Through decoding of an Admiralty report, it has be-
come known that during the RAP attack on the PRINZ EUGEN on 17
May 1942 the enemy lost 9 planes, i.e., 7 torpedo bombers, 1
Hudson, and 1 Beaufighter. The report states that in the course
of the battle the Beaufighter fired on German destroyers with
cannons and machine guns. No further information about the
PRINZ EUGEN was contained in this report.
-ili5-
CONFIDENTIAL
13 Aug. 1942
According to an intelligence report from Stockholm, the follow-
ing forces have been available for the Allied patrol service in
the Arctic Ocean since 22 Jul.:
a. Great Britain : 8 submarines, 2 destroyers, 6 PT boats,
1 aircraft carrier, 34 naval planes.
b. U.S.A. t 6 submarines, 1 destroyer, PT boats,
12 naval planes.
c. Russia : 6 submarines, 1 light cruiser, 4 to 6
PT boats, 30 to 40 naval planes.
d. Holland : 1 submarine and 1 small cruiser built
in 1916.
Reconnaissance in the Arctic Ocean up to Iceland and toward Spits-
bergen on 13 Aug. brought no new information. Reconnaissance of
the Kara Strait and the Yugor Strait was unsuccessful due to low-
lying clouds.
Own Situation :
No incidents were reported.
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
Mine operation "Oppeln" (experimental minefield) in the
Skagerrak was executed according to plan. The Danish steam •
trawler KAP sank southeast of the Lim Fjord as a result of a
mine hit. The departure of the Oslo-Aalborg convoy was post-
poned for 24 hours on account of mines. For the same reason, the
routes in the Baltic Sea entrances were temporarily closed.
The Finnish steamer HELEN struck a mine and sank east of Cape
Arkona .
Minefield "Seehund III" was laid in the Gulf of Finland according
to plan.
Bad weather prevented operations by mine-sweeping pinnaces.
With reference to the demands of the Commander, PT Boats for equip-
ment, materiel, and shelters to be made available in case of a
transfer of the 6th PT Boat Flotilla to the Commander, Mine Sweep-
ers, Baltic Sea (see War Diary 12 Aug. and Telegram 1425 of 13 Aug.),
Group North points out that the requirements will have to be limited
to a minimum. Since the transfer is only temporary, the PT boats
will have to be satisfied with temporary Installations. For de-
tails see Telegram 0911.
With reference to the suggestion of the Commander, Mine Sweepers,
Baltic Sea and the request of Group North concerning the transfer
of the small coastal mine-laying craft and Italian subchasers
from Lake Ladoga to the Gulf of Finland, the Naval Staff calls the
attention of Group North to the definite and unequivocal rejection
of that request by the Marshal of Finland in his statement to the
-U4.6-
CONFIDENTIAL
13 Aug. 1942
German General at the Finnish Headquarters. Therefore, as long
as the situation remains basically unchanged, a renewal of this
request to the Marshal of Finland is out of the question. The
vessels can be transferred only if the Finns on their own agree
to have them withdrawn from Lake Ladoga. (See Telegram 1316.)
V. Submarine V/arfare
1. Enemy Situation ;
Lively reconnaissance activity was reported from coastal
waters off Brest. At noon planes in cooperation with a destroyer
were engaged in submarine chase. Several submarine sighting re-
ports were intercepted.
At 2200 the U.S. steamer CALIFORNIA reported that she was being
attacked by a submarine some 500 miles southwest of the Cape Verde
Islands. Other submarine attacks were observed southwest of the
Mississippi Delta and in the Windward Passage.
2. Own Situation ;
Because of the ice, submarine U "255" is being with-
drawn from her position off the Olga Strait. Submarine U "601"
has been ordered to ascertain (for operation "Wunderland" ) the
ice conditions off Cape Zhelaniya (northeastern tip of Novaya
Zemlya ) . t
In the North Atlantic, radio intelligence intercepted messages
from the westbound convoy in quadrant AL 5112, which was to be
attacked by group "Loss".
In the western Atlantic, submarine U "98" sighted a southbound
convoy of 6 steamers in quadrant 0B 3689 but lost contact with
it at nightfall.
Several submarines scored gratifying successes in attacking a
convoy of 24 steamers in the V/indward Passage. Submarine U "658"
sank a 7,000 GRT tanker and probably also an 8,000 GRT steamer.
Submarine U "600" reported sinking 2 steamers totalling 14,000
GRT and scoring another torpedo hit.
Submarine U "508" torpedoed 2 ships in a convoy of 4 steamers in
the western entrance .of the Florida Strait and heard sounds of
sinking. Anti-detection decoy devices (Bold) were used for the
first time with success against a depth-charge attack. The size
of each of the 2 steamers was estimated at approximately 8,000
GRT.
In the Mediterranean, submarine U "73" attacked 2 destroyers in
the approach to the Strait of La Galite and heard 1 hit. It is
not known whether they were sunk.
For further reports see supplement to the submarine situation in
War Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
-lltf-
CONFIDENTIAL
13 Aug. 1942
VI. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity :
On the night of 12 Aug. and on 13 Aug. small numbers
of our planes attacked localities on the coast, including Edin-
burgh. 1 patrol vessel and 1 vessel apparently serving as liv-
ing quarters were sunk near Salcontoa. On the night of 13 Aug.
enemy planes made 35 incursions, 31 of which were over Reich
territory. No bombs were dropped but the planes are presumed to
have dropped mines. They penetrated as far as Doberan-Treptow-
Copenhagen. Balloons with incendiary fuses were shot down near
Erfurt. For details of the heavy damage caused in Mainz on the
night of 12 Aug. see daily situation report.
2. Mediterranean Theater :
No final results of the offensive operations against
the enemy convoy attacked on 13 Aug. have been received so far.
Contact with the vessels which reached Malta was maintained up
to a point close to the southern coast of the island.
Photographic reconnaissance of Port Said, Suez, and Port Ibrahim
failed to yield any new data. For details see dally situation
report.
3. Eastern Front :
101 enemy planes were reported shot, down on the Army
fronts on 12 Aug.
On 12 Aug. 2 steamers of 2,000 GRT each were sunk off Novorossisk,
1 steamer of 500 GRT was sunk off Anapa, and 1 steamer of 600 GRT
was sunk in the bay of Temryuk. Other vessels were damaged.
For reconnaissance results see Enemy Situation, Black Sea.
In the Gulf of Finland, 1 mine sweeper was damaged in Lavansaari.
VII. V/arfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
According to an intelligence report from Spain, the
aircraft carrier FURIOUS, which arrived in Gibraltar on the
evening of 12 Aug., entered the dock on 13 Aug. The ship is
probably damaged. A destroyer with a damaged bow, probably as a
result of collision, arrived in Gibraltar from the east. The
ARGUS was in the harbor on 13 Aug. Air reconnaissance reports
from the eastern Mediterranean that at 0800 2 cruisers, 4 de-
stroyers, and 7 small vessels were proceeding on a westerly course
60 miles west of Cyprus, while 2 destroyers were south of there.
8 westbound vessels, apparently escort vessels, were sighted off
Alexandria.
-1U8-
CONFIDENTIAL
13 Aug. 1942
»
Operations against the convoy :
It is not yet possible to form a clear picture of the
successes scored by Axis planes and submarines during the day and
the night of 12 Aug. Worth noting among the numerous separate
reports received yesterday are the statements that an aircraft
carrier was set on fire by 6 bombs from dive bombers and that an
Italian submarine torpedoed a cruiser. With the exception of the
heavy forces which turned back around 1930, the enemy convoy
passed Cape Bon in easterly direction around midnight. No evid-
ence of the effect of -the Italian minefield recently laid in this
area has been observed so far. At 0400 the convoy was proceeding
36 miles southwest of Pantelleria and consisted at that time of 3
to 4 cruisers, some 10 destroyers, and about 10 steamers. Later,
reports speak of approximately 15 escort vessels, including the
UNICORN which is mentioned very vaguely and probably was not there
at all, and 9 merchant vessels. German and Italian PT boats and
planes were engaged in the operation against the convoy during the
night. 4 boats of the 3rd PT Boat Flotilla, which were brought
up at top speed, directly from Crete, set 1 steamer of 15,000 GRT
on fire with a torpedo hit and torpedoed 1 tanker of 10,000 GRT,
1 tanker of 12,000 GRT, 1 steamer of 8,000 GRT, and probably also
another steamer. Since the PT boat;s encountered strong defense
action, they could not wait to watch the ships sink. One of the.
PT boats suffered slight casualties as a result of a shell hit.
All vessels have arrived in Porto Empedocle. No complete reports
have as yet been received about the successes of the Italian PT
boats. The Air Force General Staff has reported the successes of
the German Air Force. They must have increased even further dur-
ing the morning, because at around 1400 only 4 or 5 merchant ,
vessels and 4 to 6 light escort vessels were reported in the
enemy convoy 20 miles west of Malta. Around the same time, 1
damaged aircraft carrier in flames, assumed to be the WASP, was
off Bizerte, and 3 other burning ships including 1 tanker were
off Cape Bon. At noon 1 battleship, 1 cruiser, and 4 destroyers
were located 26 miles north of Cape Bougaroun returning west. The
second battleship and the fourth carrier, which may also be
assumed to have turned back and to be en route to Gibraltar, were
not located. In the evening 3 cruisers and 4 destroyers were
sighted proceeding westward northwest of Malta. These vessels
were probably escort forces detached from what was left of the
convoy, which in the meantime entered Valletta. As things stand
now, no more than 5 or 6 enemy merchant vessels may be assumed
to have reached the harbor of Valletta. Since it is pretty certain
that 21 merchant ships departed from the Strait of Gibraltar in
an easterly direction, the fact that an extraordinary success has
been achieved is established beyond doubt. The losses and damages
inflicted on the warships, particularly on the aircraft carriers,
also represent an all-time high, as far as can be gathered from
reports received so far.
As had been expected, the Duce decided against the participation
of the fleet in this operation. The Italian cruiser force, which
was repeatedly although unsuccessfully attacked by enemy planes
on the night of 12 Aug. in the Tyrrhenian Sea, was ordered to re-
turn to port.
The 3rd PT Boat Flotilla has been ordered to search for damaged
or returning enemy vessels in the area between Cape Bon and Cape
-Hj-9-
CONFIDENTIAL
13 Aug. 1942
Blanc during the night of 13 Aug. At 2000, 2 boats of the
flotilla will depart from Porto Empedocle.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa ;
Ship traffic from Italy and Greece is at a standstill.
On the evening of 12 Aug. 1 transport submarine departed from
Taranto for Tripoli. As for the transport of supplies along the
North African coast, on the morning of 12 Aug. an enemy submarine
sank the OGADEN en route from Benghazi to Tobruk.
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea :
Destroyer ZG "3" has arrived in Navarino. Convoy
operations proceeded according to plan, with no incidents to
report.
Black Sea :
Since according to interpretation of photographs taken
on 9 Aug. and according to radio intelligence, the cruiser KRASNY
KHIM is evidently undamaged, the vessel sunk by Italian sub-
chasers on 3 Aug. was probably a three-funnel destroyer. This
assumption on the part of the Naval Staff is recorded in the War
Diary, 3 Aug.
Since the PT boat attack off the Caucasian coast during the night
of 10 Aug. was detected by the enemy, there is no objection to
announcing the sinking success scored on the preceding night. The
Minesweeping Command, Crimea is being dissolved following comple-
tion of its special mission.
Convoy operations proceeded according to plan without any in-
cidents.
Special Items :
The Naval Staff has Informed Group South and the Admiral,
Black Sea that paragraph 1 of Vice Admiral Krancke's instructions
is a confirmation of a previous directive of the Naval Staff on the
subject, and that, with regard to paragraph 2, the procedure to be
followed must be agreed upon with Army Group A.
Group South has submitted a summary of the results reached at the
conference with the Naval Liaison Officer to the Army High Command
and the representative of the Army General Staff in Bucharest.
For copy of the telegram see l/Skl 19766/42 Gkdos. in War Diary,
Part C, Vol. XIV a. The results can be summed up as follows:
(1) The Army drops the Idea of shifting the main supply route
for Nikolayev to Sevastopol.
(2) In the Sea of Azov, the Army demands that in addition to
transports from Taganrog to Azov 1,500 tons of supplies be trans-
ported daily from Mariupol to Yeisk.
(3) Even after the execution of operation "Bluecher II" the
Army will need landing craft for transporting some troops from
Kerch to Taman.
-I50-
CONFIDENT I AL
13 Aug. 1942
(4). The Army declares that, due to the inadequate capa-
city of railroads and other means of land transportation, it is
of decisive importance for fast progress of these operations to
adapt supply transport by sea to the requirements of the Army
operations in the Black Sea area. For this purpose the Army
desires that the transport vessels operate as far east as pos-
sible, for example, as far as Novorossisk; from there, landing
barges will bring the supplies farther up. It is urgent that
6,000 tons of fuel be brought to Novorossisk immediately after
its seizure.
Re: (2) Group South believes that the , Sea of Azov must
first be cleared of the magnetic mines which were located there.
The ship tonnage will be increased by bringing up tugs from the
Danube.
Re : (3) Group South is of the opinion that, after having
completed operation "Bluecher II", the landing craft must be re-
leased for assignment elsewhere and must therefore be replaced
either by Army barges or by additional tugs from the Danube.
Re: (4) Group South can agree to using small transport
vessels for bringing supplies to Sevastopol or even to Feo-
dosiya, as soon as motor mine sweepers and escort vessels be-
come available after termination of operation "Bluecher II".
Group South is, however, not in a position to assume responsi-
bility for the transport of supplies to Kerch and to Black Sea
ports situated farther to the east unless the routes are
thoroughly swept and Russian surface forces eliminated from that
area. The steamers, of which there are only 13 available in
all, can be used only in the most pressing emergency. The Group
therefore suggests concentration of all landing craft (some 35
up to the end of August) and establishment of supply transport
routes from Feodosiya or Kerch to Anapa or .Novorossisk with in-
termediate ports, so that 700 tons per day can be delivered.
The Admiral, Black Sea would be in control of the traffic and
in charge of the escort forces. The supplies would be brought
to Kerch or Feodosiya from Nikolayev or Sevastopol by train.
In order to keep pace with the over-all situation, the Navy
will continue its efforts to expand sea transport to the east
as soon as possible.
The Army Quartermaster General, who will transfer to the 11th
Army High Command his authority with regard to supplies for
Kerch and farther east, is to be the only requisitioning agency
of the Army.
Group South suggests that either sea transport for the Air Force
be included in the "aforementioned arrangement, or a definite
amount of tonnage be reserved for the 4th Air Force.
Group South assumes that the reported regulation supersedes
the directive transmitted by Vice Admiral Krancke. Group South
also mentions the differences of opinion which were caused by
that directive, particularly at the command of the Admiral, Black
Sea. (See Telegram 2045.)
The only point still to be clarified is whether the authority
for requisitioning transports will rest with Army Group A or
with the 11th Army High Command.
-151-
CONFIDENTIAL
13 Aug. 1942
VIII. Situation East Asia
No noteworthy reports have been received.
IX. Army Situation
1. Russian Front ;
Army Group A t
An assault detachment found the southern part of the
Taman Peninsula free of enemy troops.
On the Krasnodar sector, enemy attempts to cross the Kuban River
in northerly direction were thwarted. Our advance detachments
pushed forward up to 50 km southwest of I.'aikop. The enemy is
being mopped up in the wooded area near Pyatigorsk.
Army Group B ;
The right wing of the 4th Panzer Army has pushed for-
ward as far as east of the railway station of Chinguta. Near
Kletskaya, our troops seized the hills east of that town. The
8th Italian Army took over the defenses on the Don River. Fight-
ing north of Voronezh continues. South of Yelets the enemy re-
newed his stubborn attacks without lasting effect. The Command-
ing General of the Russian army in the northern Caucasus, Mar-
shal Budienny, is reported to have been wounded in a low-level
attack by our planes on 11 Aug.
Central Army Group :
Our offensive in the Sukhinichi area is slowly gain-
ing ground toward the north. Strong enemy forces brought up
from the area southwest of Moscow launched an attack east of
Vyazma. Fighting in the Rzhev area continues with varying suc-
cess.
Northern Army Group :
Local attacks by enemy troops were repulsed.
2. Finnish Front ;
No noteworthy fighting was reported.
3. North Africa :
Artillery and patrol activity was reported. Because
of the enemy convoy force, German motorized units have been
transferred to Solium and Marsa Matruh. 188 German and 173
Italian tanks are available in this area.
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14 Aug. 1942
Items of Political Importance
In connection with the question of the second front In Europe , in
some quarters the demand is again being made that the project be
treated with restraint or even dropped altogether. U.S. Ambassador
Stanley in Moscow is said to have made very bitter remarks about
the Anglo-American failure to keep the promise given. Churchill's
secretary is quoted as saying that the heavy Allied ship losses,
which are much more ser-ious than officially admitted, are an important
factor in this problem.
India ;
The Indian situation greatly preoccupies Britain's allies, and has
reportedly led them, particularly the U.S.A. and China, to urge
Britain to come to terms with India. The earlier proposal that the
Russians, Americans', and Chinese jointly guarantee India's indepen-
dence - after the war, of course - is again being mentioned.
Japanese circles expect that further German successes in Egypt and
in the Caucasus will not fail to influence the attitude of the
Moslems in India. But even these Japanese sources warn against
over-estimating the importance of the present unrest in India.
Lisbon watches the developments in India with interest because of
their" possible effect on Portuguese possessions in that area.
Russo-Japanese Relations :
Russo-Japanese relations are receiving more attention in Allied^dis-
cussions. U.S. circles are convinced that the next target of a
Japanese attack will be Vladivostok, and not Australia or Hawaii.
The decisive moment will come after the fall of Stalingrad.
According to information from Chungking, some 52 new divisions
brought up from Japan and Indo-China are now stationed on the Si-
berian -Manchurian border. China will open an offensive the moment
the Japanese forces are withdrawn from the Chinese front for op-
erations against Russia.
•
Great Britain :
On 15 Aug. the Production Minister declared once again that the com-
ing 80 days will be the hardest in Britain's history. In Russia,
the Volga life line is imperiled; in Egypt, bitter fighting will
break out within the next few weeks. To give his listeners some en-
couragement, Lyttleton added that in July the Allied merchant ship
losses decreased, while the number of German submarines destroyed
increased and greatly exceeded the previous average. Great Britain
will attempt to disrupt German submarine production by attacks on
submarine yards and bases.
South America :
According to Italian press reports from Buenos Aires, the U.S.A. in-
tends to establish a naval base at the La Plata estuary. Such a base
would constitute a "direct strategic threat to Argentina. So far, Uru-
guay has ceded the following bases to the U.S.A.: Maldonado, Colonia,
Piriapolis, Punta del Lobos, Coriti, Punta del Este, and Montevideo.
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14 Aug. 1942
Conference on the Situation with the Chief, Naval Staff
I. Report by the Deputy Chief , Naval Staff Quartermaster Division !
1. Group North has submitted a detailed and comprehensive re-
port on Baltic Sea warfare in 1941. The work was prompted by a re-
quest of the Nautiku3 for a contribution on this subject. The
Fuehrer showed interest in the report and expressed his appreciation
of the effective work performed with such amazingly scanty means.
2. The Minister for Armaments and War Production reported to
the Fuehrer on the labor situation, pointing out that the withdrawal
of shipyard workers and specialists for all phases of submarine war-
fare jeopardizes the completion of other essential items. The
Fuehrer, however, decided that his directive should remain in force.
However, the personnel of the naval yards is to be screened once
more for the purpose.
The Chief, Naval Staff orders the Naval Construction Division to
keep him informed on schedules governing the allocation of workers.
II. Report by the Chief, Naval Ordnance Division
1. There is friction between the Commanding Admiral, Norway
and the Commanding General, Armed Force3, Norway.
2. The Fuehrer order is discussed which provides that in the
interest of limited military aid to Japan, deliveries to Japan
should not be made dependent on any economic conditions, either
financial or in connection with patent rights. In loading submarine
I "30", the Japanese have been making extensive use of German gener-
osity.
3. The 40,000,000 Mark deficit from the construction cost of
the new cruiser "L" delivered to the Russians is to be transferred
to a trust company designated for this purpose.
4. The guns of the first 15 cm turret on a German destroyer
have been harmonized.
5. The Commanding Admiral, Group North has expressed appre-
ciation to the Mining and Barrage Inspectorate for its smooth co-
operation in placing at the disposal of Group North 24,000 mines
and 6,000 anti-sweeping devices.
III. The Chief of the Underwater Obstacles Branch, Naval Ordnance
Division reports that no new firing devices have been found on the
enemy mines investigated" in Marsa Matruh.
IV. The Chief, Naval Staff states that no definite indications of
an attack on Russia could be found in the large number of Japanese
reports.
In a Very Restricted Circle ;
V. The Chief, Foreign Affairs Section, Naval Staff Operations
Division reports on the question of the treatment of Germans in
Guatemala and their repatriation from that country, raised by the
Commander in Chief, Navy, as well as on the Fuehrer's approval of
the French proposal to use 3 French submarines for supplying the
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14 Aug. 1942
unoccupied part of Madagascar. For details see War Diary, Part C,
Vol. VIII.
VI. Report by the Chief, Operations Branch, Naval Staff Operations
Division :
— ~ .4
1. The question of giving up the German positions on Crete
has become acute in' view of the fact that the Italians proposed to
the Armed Forces High Command that they take over the entire island.
They argue that the progress of operations in North Africa will
make it necessary to assign large Italian troop contingents to
Crete and this, in turn, calls for the establishment of a corps
headquarters on that island. The Armed Forces High Command Opera-
tions Staff intends to use delaying tactics until the arrival of
Italian troops makes a decision inevitable. According to a com-
munication from the Permanent Representative of the Commander in
Chief, Navy at the Fuehrer Headquarters, the Fuehrer showed little
inclination to change his dissenting opinion on this matter when
the question of Crete- was discussed at the conference on the sit-
uation, although Vice Admiral Kran eke set forth the Naval Staff's
views on the subject. The Chief, Naval Staff will raise the issue
again at his next report to the Fuehrer.
2. The Commanding Admiral, Group South has informed Antonescu
about the ordered reorganization of the naval operations head-
quarters in the Rumanian area; this report is being submitted. The
German Ambassador in Bucharest has asked for a copy. The Command-
ing Admiral, Group South will comply with the request, making sure
that the Foreign Office does not prematurely notify the Armed
Forces High Command or the Fuehrer. '
3. According to information from Admiral Nomura, the
Japanese do not intend to launch operations against Siberia. This
information should not be taken as absolutely reliable, because
experience has proved that Admiral Nomura is by no means always
aware of all plans of the Japanese High Command.
4. The brief report on the disagreements in the question of
transports in the Black Sea area is recorded in War Diary 12 and
13 Aug.
5. According to a presumably erroneous report from the Air
Force Operations Staff, the African Panzer Army has already started
its further attack operations.
6. Group North has very grave doubts as to the facts con-
cerning convoy PQ 18. v Either, as reported by the press on 10 Aug.,
the convoy has already entered its ports of destination, proceed-
ing unnoticed under the cover of fog via the shortest route — a
possibility which the Naval Staff considers rather unlikely — or
the first and only location report by submarine U M 407 H was er-
roneous. Group North has issued directions to the Admiral, Arctic
Ocean and the 5th Air Force suggesting the following methods for
intercepting the convoy with at least some amount of certainty:
a. A constant submarine patrol should be posted in the Den-
mark Strait at the ice boundary, extending as far to the west asl
possible.
b. The patrols off the Olga Strait and southwest of Spits-
bergen are to be withdrawn.
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CONFIDENTIAL
14 Aug. 1942
c. All available submarines in the Harstad-Kirkenes area,
including those provided for operation Sunderland" and for mine
operations, should be held ready to depart.
d. Single long-range fighters equipped with radar should
make additional reconnaissance flights over the Bear Island area.
Group North gives its authorization for starting operation "Wunder-
land" on 15 Aug.
The Fuehrer was informed of this operation by Vice-Admiral Krancke
and did not object. The air reconnaissance which is to precede
the operation is already under way.
Special Items ;
I. The Naval Liaison Officer to the Army High Command has sub-
mitted the answers of the 18th Army and Group North to the Naval
Staff's request for investigation of the chances of an artillery
attack on Russian light naval forces in the Kronstadt Bay harbors.
(See War Diary 17 Jul. and 10 Aug.). The answer is that artillery
fire with air observation, which appears doubtful in view of the
strong Russian anti-aircraft defenses, can only be successful if
large quantities of ammunition are employed in the operation. Un-
observed fire is not very promising either, since the targets are
small. The probability of hitting a single submarine has been
calculated at 0.96^ per 100 rounds. An air attack promises more
success. If a special allocation of ammunition can be obtained,
flat-trajectory fire from heavy artillery could support the op-
eration by holding down the anti-aircraft fire.
II. An intelligence report from Sweden of 30 Jul. contains the
following statements about the establishment of a second front and
other fronts:
"It was learned from a very reliable source that for about the last
8 weeks discussions have been under way in England between the
U.S.A., Great Britain, and Russia about the establishment of a
second front and possibly additional fronts. "The main points in
the plan are reported to be the following:
"1. Energetic action against Finland.
"2. Landings in northern Scandinavia for the purpose of
cutting communications between Finland on the one hand and Nor-
way and Sweden on the other.
"3. Attacks by waves of planes on French localities on
which an agreement has been reached with France in Switzerland.
"4. Delivery of arms to the French, Belgian, and Dutch pop-
ulations in the occupied area in preparation for Anglo-American
landings.
"The discussions revealed considerable differences of opinion.
The plans worked out by the staffs are being examined by a com-
mittee of the Anglo-American and Russian Army High Commands. It
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14 Aug. 1942
Is taken for granted that work on the details of the plans will
continue all through August so that the establishment of a second
or any additional fronts cannot be expected before September. It
is said that materiel required for these operations is not yet
available in sufficient quantity. Also the underground air bases
established in southern England are said to be still insufficient-
ly developed for this task."
It is to be assumed that these purely military pre-
parations are being carried out regardless of the
political decision concerning the establishment of
additional fronts in Europe.
Situation 14 Aug. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation ;
South Atlantic :
According to a Daventry report, Allied planes encountered
a German warship in the South Atlantic. The report reads as fol-
lows: "The pursuit seems- to have started on the evening of 11 Aug.
when the cruisers picked up distress signals from a ship under at-
tack some 1,000 miles east of Rio de Janeiro. As soon as the
cruisers appeared on the scene, the German warship broke off her
attack and fled. The cruiser-based planes took up the pursuit and
succeeded in spotting the warship for a second time."
At the same time newspapers, including the London Times and the
New York Times , were spreading the news that U.S. naval forces,
supported by planes, have engaged in a systematic search for a Ger-
man warship in the South Atlantic. As previously reported by our
radio intelligence, no British naval forces were available for
rendering aid to the British steamer DALHOUSIE to which all these
reports undoubtedly refer. According to the short signal received
at 2156, ship "23" has in the meantime reported capturing the DAL-
HOUSIE.
2. Own Situation :
In the above-mentioned short signal, ship "23" also re-
ported that she was shifting her operations area to the large
quadrant GM.
The Naval Staff confirmed the message via Radiogram 0100 of 15
Aug.
Since nothing unusual has since been observed and more than 3 days
have elapsed between the start of the pursuit and the date of the
short signal, it may be concluded that the' situation for ship "23"
is clear for the time being. However, a stricter surveillance of
the South Atlantic is to be expected. The resulting consequences
must be taken into account.
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14 Aug. 1942
All vessels In foreign waters were informed about the enemy re-
ports via Radiogram 1907. Radiogram 2301 contains other enemy-
reports, further information about the Freetown report of 5 Aug.
on the sinking of a British steamer by a PT boat, and the state-
ment that the capture of the GLOUCESTER CASTLE by ship "28"
might offer an explanation for the Freetown report. Further in-
formation on the enemy situation v/as issued via Radiogram 0415.
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation ;
According to an intelligence report from unoccupied ■
France and Spain received via Paris dated 14 Aug., an all-out
attack of strong enemy forces on German submarine bases on the
Atlantic coast is pending.
2. Own Situation :
Atlantic Coast :
The Air Force Operations Staff reports that on 13 Aug.
a German BF 110 plane shot down a British bomber over the Bay of
Biscay.
No incidents occurred in connection with the naval situation.
Channel Coast :
At 0145 a German convoy sighted 5 enemy motor gunboats
off Cape Gris Nez. When fired upon by a patrol vessel, the PT
boats turned away. A simultaneous long-range artillery attack
resulted in 4 hits in the midst of the convoy, so that it may be
possible that the motor gunboats were observers for the artillery.
(See Telegram 1850.)
From 0315 to 0325 a force of 2 patrol vessels, "707" and "704",
had an engagement with 2 enemy motor gunboats off Jersey. After
receiving 15 observed hits, the motor gunboats withdrew in
southeasterly direction. Our vessels suffered light damage and
casualties. (See Telegram 1740.)
Mine operations of the 4th and 5th PT Boat Flotillas as well as
the transfer of the 2nd PT Boat Flotilla to Ijmuiden and execu-
tion of mine operation "Bonifacius", are set for the night of
14 Aug.
Operation "Bonifacius" is one of the mine-laying operations planned
by Group Vilest in accordance with a suggestion by the Naval Staff
(see War Diary 4 May) as a flank cover which would make the Channel
routes safe for our vessels and protect our convoys from enemy
motor gunboats and mines. The minefields to be laid are "Caesar
I", "Caesar II", "Bonifacius", "Bruno I", "Bruno II", "Klara",
"Anton I", "Anton II", and "Fritz". They will be located in the
center of the Strait of Dover.
3. Special Items :
a. Upon the report by the Chief of the 14th Subchaser
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14 Aug. 19 42
Flotilla about its engagement with enemy motor gunboats and gun-
boats off Cape Gris Nez on the .night of 20 Jul. (see War Diary,
21 Jul.),' the Commander in Chief, Navy expressed his special
recognition to the Chief of the Flotilla, Lt. Comdr. Wunderlich
and to the captain of subchaser "1415", Lt. Perleberg.
b. Group West agrees with the views of the Naval Staff con-
cerning enemy landings in the west area, as set forth in its sit-
uation* report (see War Diary 20 Jul.). The Group reports that the
Army has in the meantime received such large reinforcements that
every submarine base, for example, will be defended by one division,
which can be reinforced by one or more strong reserve tank units
within a very short time.
The Air Force, too, has received reinf oroements . In view of these
facts and of the daily progress in the construction of field forti-
fications, the Commanding General, Armed Forces, West is now con-
vinced that even if the enemy succeeds in gaining a foothold in
one place or another,- he will be throv/n out again very soon. The
Commanding General, Armed Forces, West therefore fully agrees with
the Commanding Admiral, Submarines that no naval installations
must be destroyed without prior consultation with the Group Com-
mand and the Commanding Admiral, Submarines. The Navy has almost
exhausted the possibilities of improving its defense measures
against enemy landings. In the opinion of Group West, it is
necessary not only to assign another torpedo boat flotilla and an-
other motor mine sweeper flotilla to the west area, in addition to
the 6th Motor Mine Sweeper Flotilla, but also to introduce certain
new measures in the radar and the radio communication intercept
services, to supply heavier armor-plating and more arms for the'
forces of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, West, to rearm the PT
boats, etc. The Naval Staff has informed its Quartermaster Divi-
sion and Communications Division of these requests and has asked
them to take the necessary steps.
At this opportunity, Group West calls the attention of the Naval
Staff to the difficult fuel situation which prohibits many opera-
tions otherwise desirable for purposes of reconnaissance and de-
fense of the coastal waters. The laying of the flanking mine-
fields has already made it necessary to draw in advance on the
contingents reserved for the coming months. The Naval Staff Opera-
tions Division will examine the fuel question, as requested by
Group West, in cooperation with the Naval Staff Quartermaster Divi-
sion.
III. North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea : •
Enemy Situation ;
No noteworthy reports have been received.
Own Situation :
Enemy air operations on the night of 13 Aug. lead to the
assumption that mines were dropped off the Dutch coast, as well as
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CONFIDENTIAL
14 Aug. 1942
off the German Bight coast. 3 grpund mines were swept north of
Terschelling and 1 was swept south of Den Helder. Toward noon,
enemy planes damaged lightship "5" on the Wester-Schelde. The
ship has been towed in. Naval anti-aircraft guns shot down 2.
Spitfires. Execution of mine operation "SW 102" by the 8th Motor
Mine Sweeper Flotilla is set for the night of 14 Aug. Convoy op-
erations proceeded as planned without incidents.
2.
Norway, Arctic Ocean ;
Enemy Situation :
According to an intelligence report, on 5 Aug. a convoy
of 15 loaded ships entered Reykjavik. Radio Intelligence inter-
cepted messages from 4 vessels in the southern and 2 in the
northern approach to the Gorlo Strait.
Own Situation :
Mine-sweeping and convoy operations In the area of the
Commanding Admiral, Norway proceeded as planned, with no incidents
to report.
On 12 Aug. an enemy battery on the Rybachi Peninsula unsuccessfully
fired on a convoy proceeding from Petsamo to Kirkenes. The route
between Kristiansand South and Stavanger is again open to shipping.
Additional findings about the steamer GEORG L. M. RUSS lead to the
assumption that she sank as a result of a submarine attack.
For the directive of Group North to the Admiral, Arctic Ocean, based
on its estimate of the situation v/ith regard to convoy PC; 18, see
Conference on the Situation with the Chief, Naval Staff. The present
disposition of the submarines for an attack on convoy PQ 18 is being
discontinued. At noon, the submarines began to withdraw at most
economical cruising speed. Submarines U "457" and U "403" have
been ordered to occupy positions in the Denmark Strait. 2 sub-
marines will be posted in the area south of Spitsbergen, 1 north of
Novaya Zemlya, 1 for patrolling the Matochkin Shar, and 1 for
patrolling the Kara Strait. Durings its attempt to refuel sub-
marine U "255", the BV "138" developed engine trouble and had to be
towed away.
IV. Skagerrak. Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
On the night of 13 Aug., numerous enemy planes dropped mines
in the entrances and the western part of the Baltic Sea.
At 0630 a tug sank southwest of the Drogden light buoy as a result
of a ground mine. At 1135 the steamer POLLUX struck a mine in the
mined area off Swinemuende and is being towed in. The transport
from Aalborg to Oslo has departed. The transports from Danzig to
Finland are proceeding as scheduled.
An enemy submarine unsuccessfully attacked a convoy en route be-
tween Helsinki and Reval. .Submarine chase is under way. Mine-
sweeping and convoy operations in the area of the Commander, Mine
Sweepers, Baltic Sea are proceeding according to plan without in-
cidents.
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14 Aug. 1942
The Commanding Admiral, Baltic Countries reports that on the night
of 10 Aug. 8 TMB mines were laid in the Kronstadt Channel. The
operation was executed without enemy interference or observation.
For details see Telegram 1605.
V. Merchant Shipping
1. During the week from 26 Jul. to 1 Aug. the ore shipments
from Lulea dropped further, reaching 146,185.9 tons, the year's
lowest figure for weekly ore shipments. Time and again there we^e
not enough ships. 3 German and 25 Swedish ships were used for
these shipments.
2. The British Admiralty reports that 23 British shipyards
which were closed during the depression have been reopened. A
discussion of this report, as well as of other foreign shipping
news, is contained in Brief Report No. 25/42 of the News Series
"Foreign Merchant Shipping".
VI. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation :
A bombing attack on a periscope was reported from* a lo-
cation 220 miles south of Iceland. A submarine sighting report
was intercepted from 330 miles west of Porcupine Bank.
Off the American east coast, submarine sighting reports were in-
tercepted from the area northwest of Cape Breton and 230 miles
southeast of Halifax.
2. Own Situation :
For the regrouping of the submarines stationed in the
north area see Situation, Arctic Ocean.
So far, group "Loss" has failed to intercept the convoy in the
North Atlantic which was located by the radio intercept service.
Submarine U "705" sighted a northwestbound convoy in quadrant
AL 4812 but lost sight of it in a rain squall. Submarine U "256"
apparently met part of the convoy with a destroyer in quadrant
AL 4493 but failed in her attack on the vessels. The operation
is being continued.
Submarine U "598" intercepted a westbound convoy of 15 tankers in
quadrant DN 4781 and launched a surface attack on the vessels,
scoring 2 hits. The submarine was unable to observe further
effects of the attack.
6 submarines operating in the, South Atlantic are being assembled
into Group "Bluecher". The group is to take up attack positions
in the area extending from quadrant CE 93 to quadrant CF 85 and to
-proceed southward in patrol-line formation in order to intercept
unescorted ships and convoys.
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14 Aug. 1942
Submarine U "331" departed from Spezia to the western Mediterranean
for operations against the main group of the returning enemy forces.
Submarines U "73" and U "205" have been assigned waiting positions
in quadrants CJ 76, 78, and 75. In the eastern Mediterranean, sub-
marine U "83" is concentrating her operations on the area north of
Port Said, and submarine U "73" on the area east of the longitude
of quadrant CP 5146 and north of the latitude of quadrant CP 5298.
For further details see supplement to the submarine situation in War
Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
VII. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity :
During the day our air forces carried out armed recon-
naissance missions and fighter-bomber raids over localities on the
coast. Ipswich was raided on the night of 14 Aug. Only a few in-
cursions were made by enemy planes over Norway, Holland, and Bel-
gium.
2. Mediterranean Theater :
No reports have so far been received about any planes
shot down during the attack on the enemy convoy.
Reconnaissance missions were flown over the central and eastern
Mediterranean.
Photographic reconnaissance was carried out over harbors in the
eastern Mediterranean.
Air raids were made on enemy airfields in North Africa. Enemy
fighters from Malta have appreciably intensified their activity.
3. Eastern Front :
58 enemy planes were shot down by the forces support-
ing the Army operations. In the Black Sea, 2 coastal vessels were
sunk and 1 small tanker was damaged. During the enemy air raid on
airfields of the Kerch Peninsula in the night of 12 Aug. anti-
aircraft guns brought down 21 of the attacking planes.
VIII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation :
At 1730 a battleship of the RODNEY class and an air-
craft carrier of the ILLUSTRIOUS class, as well as 6 destroyers,
entered Gibraltar, According to an intelligence report from Spain,
the carrier was heavily damaged on both sides. The FURIOUS left
dock at 2035. In the night of 13 Aug. the escort forces return-
ing from Malta passed through the Strait of Sicily in westerly
direction. Air reconnaissance spotted them repeatedly while they
were proceeding at high speed off the Tunisian and Algerian coast.
At 1310 the force, consisting of 2 cruisers and 5 destroyers, was
located 32 miles northwest of Cape Bougaroun. At 1110 another
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CONFIDENTIAL
14 Aug. 1942
destroyer which was returning alone was located 30 miles east of
La Galite. At 1000 Italian air reconnaissance reported that the
force, with an aircraft carrier, vras heading west 30 miles north
of Cape de Fer. This would mean that the fourth aircraft carrier,
which was not located for quite some time, has been intercepted.
Another unidentified vessel proceeding alone on a westerly course
was sighted by an Italian submarine 62 miles north-northeast of
Cape Serrat at 2050. In the morning German air reconnaissance
sighted a large merchant ship in tow and a vessel which v/as assumed
to be an aircraft carrier but was definitely not the UNICORN 40
miles west-southwest of Malta. Details are lacking. At 1630 a
German plane sighted a large ship with no superstructure, as well
as another large ship and 2 small vessels, proceeding at low speed
on an easterly course in approximately the same area. This force
was later spotted for a second time 16 miles west-southwest of
Malta. Photographic reconnaissance carried out over Valletta at
1830 showed apparently no additional ships in the harbor. How-
ever, the reconnaissance was incomplete since part of the harbor
was concealed by a smoke screen. It might be that a damaged
tanker entered the harbor in the meantime.
According to a French report to the German Armistice Commission,
France 500 survivors from the cruiser MANCHESTER and from 3
tankers were set ashore near Cape Bon. They stated that the
MANCHESTER was sunk during the night of 12 Aug. The stern of the
aircraft carrier which had been sighted north-northeast of Cape
Blanc on the afternoon, of 12 Aug. and v/as assumed to be the WASP
was in flames. Some time afterv/ards the fire appeared to subside.
No further reports concerning the whereabouts of this vessel have
been received. '
According to a press report from Algeciras, the EAGLE had 22
fighters and 8 single-engined biplanes on board. The same source
reports the sinking of the British destroyer WRESTLER. According
to a Reuter report from Cairo, U.S. bomber crev/s contend that on
10 Aug. they damaged 3 Italian cruisers riding at anchor in the
vicinity of Navarino..
As for the eastern Mediterranean, in the morning German air
reconnaissance sighted 1 cruiser, 7 escort vessels, 2 tankers,' and
3 steamers on a southerly course 25 miles north-northeast of Port
Said, as well as a large steamer lying to just east of Port Said.
According to an Italian sighting report, a submarine was west of
Crete. In addition to the French vessels the number of which is
unchanged, photographic reconnaissance showed 6 escort vessels,
11 small warships, 1 hospital ship, 2 tankers, and 10 steamers in
Alexandria and 1 warship dummy, 2 cruisers, 4 destroyers, 6 sub-
marines, 1 tanker, and 27 steamers in Port Said. 1 cruiser, 4
destroyers, 6 submarines, 55 steamers, 9 tankers, and 5 trans-
ports were in Suez. Merchant tonnage has increased by about
110,000 GRT since 8 Aug.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean :
In the night of 13 Aug., 2 PT boats were sent to operate
against the force of light vessels returning west. Due to engine
trouble, the PT boats Tf/ere unable to reach their area of operations
in time and gave up the attack.
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14 Aug. 1942
On the afternoon of 13 Aug. enemy submarines torpedoed the Italian
cruisers BOLZANO and ATTENDOLO off the Lipari Islands. The
ATTENDOLO has arrived in Messina. The BOLZANO was beached and will
be towed into port.
An Italian destroyer has been sent into the area south of Pantel-
leria for operations against damaged enemy vessels. 2 damaged
Italian PT boats were beached south of Cape Bon. 13 Italian sub-
marines are in the operations area. An Italian PT boat reports
scoring a torpedo hit on a destroyer belonging to the enemy escort
force returning from Malta off Cape Bon.
At 1800 2 boats of the 3rd PT Boat Flotilla were sent from Porto
Empedocle for an attack on the apparently damaged enemy vessels
sighted southwest of Malta.
In the night of 13 Aug. enemy planes carried out heavy raids on
Tobruk and Marsa Matruh without damaging military or naval in-
stallations.
The Italian Liaison Staff with the German Naval Staff has trans-
mitted a list of successes scored by the Italian Navy in its op-
erations against the convoy force. The Italian Navy claims the
following successes: the sinking of the cruiser MANCHESTER by a
motor torpedo boat, the torpedoing of the FURIOUS and of 3
cruisers by submarines, the torpedoing of another cruiser by a
motor torpedo boat, the sinking of 1 tanker and 2 steamers by sub-
marines and of 2 tankers by subchasers, as well as the torpedo-
ing of an unidentified vessel by a submarine and of 2 steamers,
one of them 18,000 GRT, by subchasers. For copy of the communica-
tion see Telegram 1800.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa :
The transport of supplies to North Africa has been re-
sumed. The motor ship RAVELL0 departed from Taranto and the motor
ship LERICI left Brindisi, both bound for Benghazi.
The tanker STIGE and the steamers SP0RTIV0 and BIANCHI left Crete
for Tobruk. The steamer F0SC0L0 left Athens for Benghazi.
Transport of supplies along the North African coast proceeded as
planned, with no incidents to report.
959 tons were unloaded in Tobruk on 11 Aug. and 1,109 tons on 12
Aug.
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea :
The destroyer ZG "3 M departed from Navarino for Suda for
an escort assignment but had to return to port because of engine
trouble.
All restrictions on movements of unescorted small vessels, with the
exception of passenger vessels, have been lifted.
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14 Aug. 19 42
Black Sea :
Enemy Situation :
An intelligence report from a French source states that
on 12 Aug. 15 Russian warships of various types, including tankers,
were interned by the Turks in the harbor of Samsun.
Own Situation :
No incidents were reported from the Black Sea.
Special Items :
a. Group South has considered the possible action of
the Russian Black Sea fleet after the Germans have occupied the
coast up to Tuapse and after the evacuation now in progress has been
terminated. Group South has issued the necessary directives to
the subordinate commands, and requested the Air Force to take the
necessary steps. In the opinion of Group South, most likely the
ships will be disarmed, the guns and the personnel employed in land
operations, and the vessels /will then be sunk. The group assumes
that the submarines will in any case remain in the Black Sea and
will be able to continue operations for another month or two after
the occupation of the last Russian base. The Group does not ex-
pect the Turks to interfere with any attempt of the Russian mer-
chant fleet to break through into the Mediterranean.
In view of this situation, Group South considers it necessary^ that
the Air Force concentrate its attacks on Poti and Batum, that' photo-
graphic reconnaissance be carried out continuously in order to
discover the Russian intentions in time, and that air reconnaissance
be extended for the same purpose, as well as for the purpose of
protecting our transports of supplies. When the time comes, German
and Italian naval forces should be prepared to intensify their
operations from Tuapse. For copy of the corresponding telegram
see l/Skl 19958/42, Gkdos. in War Diary, Part C, Vol. XlVa.
In connection with the same problem, Group South believes that Ad-
ditional German minefields in the approaches to the straits will
be effective only if laid in Turkish territorial waters. The task
can therefore be carried out only in agreement with Turkey and at
her request. The order for the naval and air forces to attack the
Russian warships if they try to break through holds even if the
attack is made within Turkish territorial waters. Group South ex-
pects that, in case the Russian vessels break through the straits,
the necessary forces will be placed at the disposal of the Admiral,
Aegean Sea in time and planes will be sent into action, primarily
in the Black Sea, in adequate numbers. For the time being it is
not intended to redistribute our forces In the Black Sea with a
view to these anticipated developments, in order not to interfere
with the main tasks.
The Naval Staff will take a stand on the matter.
b. In reply to the request of Group South for mine-sweeping
planes against magnetic mines in the Sea of Azov, the Naval Staff
asks the Group to reconsider once again whether, in view of the
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14 Aug. 1942
small number of available planes of this type, the request is neces-
sary and justified. The Naval Staff points out that the mine-
sweeping planes must not be used against German magnetic mines, that
magnetic mines with acoustic firing devices cannot be easily swept,
and that, under certain conditions, it might be possible to have
specialists among the war prisoners remove the Russian mines with
the aid of such means as are available. (See Telegram 1027.)
c. Without making reference to the above directive, Group
South again requests that several mine-sweeping planes be im-
mediately allocated in order to speed up the sweeping of Russian
magnetic mines in the Caspian Sea and off the east coast of the
Black Sea. In this new request, Group South refers to a statement
by the 4th Air Force, according to which mine-sweeping planes can
be obtained from the Commander in Chief, Air Force immediately upon
request.
It is inconceivable how the 4th Air Force could make
such an incorrect statement.
d. In reply to the Naval Staff's directive mentioned under
b, Group South quotes a report by the Naval Shore Commander, Ukraine,
stating that the presence of magnetic mines has been confirmed by
a number of' eye-witnesses, and that, in addition, acoustic mines
were laid during the last mine-laying operations by warships during
the day and night of 8 Aug. The latter statement is confirmed by
the fact that so far the mine hits on the landing craft and Siebel
ferries occurred aft. Group South has ordered experts to investi-
gate the matter.
IX. Situation East Asia
The Japanese Headquarters issued an official communique about
the losses suffered by the enemy off the Solomon Islands up to 14
Aug. Sunk: 13 British and American cruisers, 9 destroyers, 3 sub-
marines, 10 transports.
Heavily damaged: 1 cruiser, 3 destroyers, 1 transport.
Japanese losses are: 2 cruisers damaged, 21 planes lost.
The U.S. Navy Department reports that the operations in the Solomon
Islands area are being continued. According to press reports from
MacArthur's headquarters, the Allied fleet is engaged in very heavy
fighting.
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14 Aug. 1942
X. Army Situation
1. Russian Front :
Army Group A ;
South of Krasnodar, our troops forced a crossing over
the Kuban River at 4 points. The large oil field near Khadikhenskaya
was- cnossed. Slovak divisions have pushed forward as far as the
Krasnodar-Khadikhenskaya oil pipeline. The upper course of the
Byelaya River has been reached. 2 panzer divisions of the force
advancing toward the south were diverted to the east. The 1st
Mountain Division reached Teberda and seized Uchkulan and Kursuk
at the fooc of the Elbrus Mountain. Parts of the 23rd Panzer Divi-
sion occupied Georgievsk and advanced, together with other units,
southward as far as Baksansk.
On the front of 'Army Group A, the enemy lost 309,000 prisoners, 522
tanks, 550 guns, 637 anti-tank and 141 anti-aircraft guns between
1 Jul. and 10 Aug.
Army Group B ;
Attacks against the right wing of the 4th Panzer Army
from the direction of Lake Tsatsa were repulsed, as were attacks
from the north on German and Rumanian positions. The XXIV Panzer
Corps is being brought up to .reinforce the right wing of the 4th
Panzer Army. In - the 5th Army area, the Italian motorized division
was replaced by the 79th Infantry Division. The enemy renewed his
heavy attacks against the eastern and northern fronts of Voronezh.
After temporary enemy penetrations, the attacks were repulsed. Partic-
ularly heavy were the attacks southeast of Yelets where a penetra-
tion had to be sealed off.
Central Army -Group :
i
The thrust toward Byelev and the operation in the Sukhin-
ichi area were slow in gaining ground against strong enemy resist-
ance. East of Vyazma the enemy again penetrated into our positions.
Only little ground could be gained by our thrust east of Gzhatsk.
East of Sychevka, superior enemy forces succeeded in pushing for-
ward as far as the region of Karmanov. Northeast of Rzhev, superior
enemy forces penetrated our withdrawn positions, and succeeded in
reaching the Rzhev-Staritsa road at one point. In view of the un-
broken offensive power of the enemy, the situation at the Central
Army Group is extremely critical.
Northern Army Group ;
Enemy attacks against the land bridge of the II Army
Corps south of Staraya Russa were resumed from the north and the
south. From the south the enemy succeeded in penetrating our
lines, necessitating a counterattack on our part.
2. Finnish Front :
Isolated enemy reconnaissance thrusts on the southeastern
and northeastern fronts were shattered. At the Loukhi and Kandal- 1
aksha sectors the enemy is digging in.
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14 Aug. 1942
3. North Africa ;
In the night of 13 Aug. advance enemy scout troops were
repulsed at the northern sector of our front.
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15 Aug. 1914.2
Items of Political Importance
No official reports are available with regard to the question of
a second front in Europe and the visit of the Anglo-American
statesmen to Moscow in this connection. It seems to he certain
that Churchill travelled via Cairo and Teheran. According to the
Dally Mail , the British consider that sending the 10th Army to
the Caucasus would be an. act of desperation which would deprive
the forces in Egypt of their last support.
Concerning the Russo-Japanese relations , an Informant reports that
the usual border clashes in Manchuria have decreased considerably,
a fact which is being interpreted as a sign of Russia's yielding
attitude, which is understandable enough. Although Japanese
military preparations in Manchuria are well advanced,' it is not
expected that Siberia will be attacked this year.
The situation in India does not show any decisive developments.
France ;
The Government categorically denies an assertion of a foreign
source that Petain would issue a declaration about France's
position in case of an Anglo-American landing on French soil.
It is obvious that such declarations will not be
issued before it has become clear what turn the
events are going to take J
U.S.A. :
Roosevelt's message to Churchill on the anniversary of the Atlantic
Charter reemphaslzes that the Charter agreement and the realization
of its principles will remain the basis of Allied policy.
Chile :
The President of Chile will visit the U.S.A. in October.
Special Items :
I. During the conference between the Chief of Staff, Naval Staff
and Admiral Nomura, the latter touched upon the strategic problems
in the Indian Ocean, saying that he expects Japan to be able to
start operations in the eastern part of the Indian Ocean toward
the end of August or In September and then carry them Into the
western Indian Ocean. The Admiralty in Tokyo attributes to the
Indian Ocean as much importance as does the Naval Staff. Admiral
Nomura hinted that the operational tasks would be divided as follows:
India: Japanese sphere; Near East: German and Italian sphere;
all three powers would cooperate strategically.
The Chief of Staff, Naval Staff pointed out that a common front
in the Indian Ocean is the focal point of the over-all strategy in
this war.
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15 Aug. 191+2
As for the supplies which submarine I W 30 M Is supposed to take
along, the Japanese Admiral requested that finanolal problems and
any other formalities be set aside.
For minutes of the conference see l/Skl I opa I590A2 Gkdos. Chefs.
in %ar Diary, Part C, Vol. XV.
II. Group South transmitted the following statements made by the
French Naval Attache in Sofia to the Chief of Staff, Group South:
1. The French Admiralty believes that the Japanese lost,
among other ships, I4. aircraft carriers In the battle off Midway,
which means that the balance of power in the Pacific has been
restored.
2. The French Admiralty assumes that the British will take
steps to prevent the maneuverability of the French fleet stationed
in Alexandria, unless Egypt Is occupied very quickly by a surprise
move.
3. The French Admiralty believes that it has certain infor-
mation indicating that the Americans are in possession of a very
effective torpedo plane equipped with a new type of torpedo. The
French Naval Attache has no knowledge of the details of this new
weapon. It may be that the torpedoes are equipped with acoustic
warheads.
Situation 15 Aug. 19^2
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
The Naval Attache in Buenos Aires reports that on 9 Aug.
the steamer QUEEN ELIZABETH carrying troops in khaki arrived in
Rio de Janeiro.
An intelligence report supplements the information about the de-
parture of a convoy from Freetown in the direction of Cape Town
on 1 Aug., stating that the escort consisted of 2 battleships,
2 destroyers, and 1 aircraft carrier.
Indian Ocean :
According to an intelligence report from Athens, 2 large
convoys, one British and one American, carrying troops and tanks
are expected to arrive in the Middle East between 20 and 30 Aug.
It is not yet sure whether the U.S. convoy will proceed to the
Red Sea.
2. Own Situation :
In reply to an inquiry by the Naval Staff, the Naval
Attache in Tokyo communicated the ports of departure and destination
and the cargo of the HERBORG and the MADRONO (see Telegram 1000).
The Naval Staff transmits sailing orders for the auxiliary supply
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CONFIDENTIAL
15 Aug. 1942
ship PASSAT to Group West. The ship is to depart from the harbor
of western France during the new-moon period in September upon
special orders from Group West. She is to supply ship "23" and, ■
if possible, "28". Thereupon she is to get edible fats from
Japan and bring them to western France. At 30° W the Naval Staff
takes over command.
For copy no. 4 of the sailing order see l/Skl I k 1553/42 Gkdos.
Chefs, in War Diary, Part C, Vol. I.
The Naval Staff transmits to the High Command of the Italian
Naval Forces in the Atlantic (Betarom) and to Group West the sailing
order and recognition signal table for the Italian blockade -runnel
PIETRO 0RSE0L0. The ship is to bring her cargo to Japan and to re-
turn to western France with a cargo of essential materials for
Italy and Germany.
Group West will determine her date of departure. The Naval Staff
will take over command at 30° W.
For copy no. 4 of the sailing order see l/Skl I k 1528/42 Gkdos.
Chefs, in War Diary, Part C, Vol. I.
On the evening of 14 Aug. Daventry broadcast the following announce-
ment in Dutch:
"Allied cruisers encountered a German warship in the southern part
of the Atlantic Ocean. A fierce battle ensued. The pursuit seems
to have begun Tuesday late in the evening when the cruisers 'received
distress signals from a ship attacked some 1,000 miles east of Rio
de Janeiro. As soon as the cruisers appeared on the scene, the
German v/arship broke off her attack and fled. Planes on board our
cruisers took up the pursuit and succeeded in spotting the warship
again. The battle continues".
The Naval Staff does not think that the enemy has any indication
of the whereabouts of the auxiliary cruiser.
■i
This information is being transmitted to ship "23" and to all 'ves-
sels in foreign waters via Radiogram 1429, along with the following
directive:
The Naval Staff authorizes ship "23" to shift her operations area.
It recommends a temporary withdrawal on account of the search
undertaken by the enemy. The ship should act according to her own
discretion, since she probably has a better knowledge of the enemy
situation through her radio service than is at present available
to the Naval Staff.
The SCHLIEMANN has been ordered to depart immediately from her
waiting area on a southeasterly course and to take up position in
a. waiting area within a 250 mile radius of a point 8° farther south
than point "Seide" and in the same longitude.
Orders to this effect were sent to the CHARLOTTE SCHLIETvIANN via
Radiogram 1832. ~
Radiogram 1914 informs all vessels in foreign waters that the
French have been authorized to use 3 Frenr" submarines from Dakar
for maintaining contact with Madagascar, that the British
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15 Aug. 1942
fleet operation in the Mediterranean is nearing its end.
The vessels are told that a comprehensive report will
follow as soon as the facts can be surveyed.
The German Armistice Commission, France communicates the
positions of the French vessels via Telegram 1120, and the
German Naval Command, Italy transmits the positions of 8
Swedish ships via Telegram 2400.
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation :
It is noticeable that rumors about enemy landings
in the west area in the next few weeks or in the first half
of September are again cropping up. Arcachon near Bordeaux,
Les Sables d'Olonne near St. Nazaire, and La Panne near
Ostend are mentioned as landing areas. It looks as if
all these rumors were being spread on purpose. According
to an intelligence report from Portugal, on 10 Aug. an
Irish steamer sighted a southbound convoy consisting of 4
troop transports, 5 destroyers, and 3 corvettes 400 miles
south of Mizen Head (Ireland). The steamer saw German
planes attack the convoy.
2. Own Situation ;
Atlantic Coast ;
2 ground mines were swept off St. Nazaire and on
the convoy route.
Channel Coast ;
The mine operation of the 4th and 5th PT Boat
Flotillas in the night of 14 Aug. was executed according
to plan. For brief report see Telegrams 0730 and 0733.
The 5th PT Boat Flotilla had no encounter with the en-
emy. One group of the 4th PT Boat Flotilla maintained
contact with a force of enemy motor gunboats for a short
while, but none of the opponents opened fire. 2 boats
of the 2nd PT Boat Flotilla have transferred to Boulogne
and 5 to Ijmuiden. Shortly after midnight a German con-
voy en route from Boulogne to Dunkirk had an engagement
with enemy PT boats off Cape Gris Nez and was also fired
upon by the British long-range battery at St. Margaret on
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CONFIDENTIAL
15 Aug. 1942
Cliff. The batteries "Todt", "Grosser Kurfuerst", and
an Army battery returned the fire. It is also certain
that a harbor patrol vessel west of Dunkirk succeeded in
hitting 3 enemy motor gunboats approaching from the west.
The enemy withdrew under a smoke screen without returning
fire. For brief report see Telegram 1415. At 0340 an
Army post south of Barfleur was attacked with hand gren-
ades and small arms. Pursuit of the enemy in the dark-
ness was unsuccessful. After dawn, footprints and a
trail indicating the presence of some 6 men and a rubber
boat were found on the beach.
Mine operation "Bonifacius" was executed as planned. Mine
operation "Akkord" is scheduled for the night of 15 Aug.
III. North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea :
. Enemy Situation :
4
The steamer and convoy traffic along the south-
eastern and eastern coasts was as usual.
Own Situation :
Mine operation "Erasmus 102" was carried out on
the night of 14 Aug. according to plan. 5 ground mines
were swept off the Frisian Islands on 15 Aug. Convoy op-
erations in the area of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses,
North proceeded as scheduled.
At noon enemy reconnaissance planes flew over the Wilhelms-
haven and Oldenburg area. In the afternoon 36 enemy planes
attacked vessels of the Rhine flotilla off Domburg. 1 ves-
sel has been lost. 4 Spitfires were shot down.
2# Norway, Arctic Ocean :
Enemy Situation :
Reconnaissance in the Arctic Ocean failed to yield
any tactical results.
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15 Aug. 19i+2
Own Situation ;
A Russian mine was swept southwest of Mageroe. A
Russian rubber boat, presumably from the Russian submarine attacked
off Kiberg on 10 Aug., was found, on 11 Aug, It is assumed that
aerial mines were dropped in the Brei Sound. 3 Swedish ships author-
ized to sail overseas departed from Krlstlansand South. Convoy
operations in the area of the Commanding Admiral, Norway proceeded
according to plan.
The Fleet Commander has boarded the dispatch vessel HELA at
Trondheim.
With the summer drawing to a close and the nights growing longer,
enemy commando raids against the Norwegian coast are again likely
to occur. Even though the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, North
does not attribute much importance to such raids, our prestige will
suffer if the enemy succeeds In damaging our ships and destroying
coastal installations, and this fact might in turn Induce the enemy
to undertake the venture more frequently. The Commanding Admiral,
Defenses, North has therefore called this point to the attention
of all the offices under his command, reemphasizing the importance
of systematic counteraction in all cases where the enemy attempts
to harass us or to land troops. (See Telegram 151+0.)
The unexplained sinking of the steamers BOLTENHAGEN and GEORG
L. M. RUSS leads to the assumption that enemy submarines are
using torpedoes that leave no bubble track. Group North has
requested the Naval Staff to find out whether there are any
data available to support this theory.
The Naval Staff will issue the necessary instructions.
Group North, acting in accord with the Admiral, West Norwegian
Coast and the Commanding Admiral, Submarines, has ordered the
former to issue new regulations for the escort of submarines
on their departure route from Krlstlansand. For copy of the
communication see l/Skl 20067/1+2 Gkdos. in War Diary, Part C,
Vol. IV.
Operation "Wunderland" ;
In his estimate of ll+ Aug. the Admiral, Arctic Ocean
considers that the conditions are favorable for undertaking operation
"Wunderland". He does not expect that any enemy forces will ue
encountered en route or in the operations area. Upon authorization
by Group North, granted in the meantime, the Admiral, Arctic Ocean
proposes to have the SCHEER take advantage of the poor visibility
and depart with 3 destroyers of the 5 tn Destroyer Flotilla through
the Vest Fjord, simulating a transfer to Trondheim. At dusk,
the SCHEER would slip out of the Vest Fjord to the north out of
sight of the coast. The departure from the Grimsoe area will de-
pend on the situation. The destroyers will then return to Tromsoe
for refueling. The fleet forces will be transferred to the Kaa
Fjord where they will take up rendezvous positions according to
directive from Group North as soon as the operation has been dis-
covered by the enemy or shortly before the SCHEER sets out on her
return voyage from the operations area. If there are reasons to
expect enemy countermeasures, the operation will be discontinued.
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CONFIDENTIAL
15 Aug. 191+2
Therefore whenever an enemy plane flies over the ship she should
report it.
Since enemy submarines are presumably patrolling the area, Group
North considers the departure through the Vest Fjord undesirable
and recommends the Grimsoe area Instead.
The Naval Staff has no objections, except that it
might be better to leave the decision as to whether
to continue the operation or to break it off to
the ship's captain in order to avoid an unnecessary
interruption of radio silence.
Group North issues a supplementary directive to the Admiral,
Arctic Ocean, that the patrol line spotted by air reconnaissance
off the Kola coast on 11+ Aug. should be annihilated on the return
voyage of the SCHEER.
On the basis of the. radio intelligence report from Klrkenes, the
Admiral, Arctic Ocean does not consider the enemy situation on 15
Aug. clear enough for starting operation "Wunderland", and he
therefore. Intends to wait a little longer. Group North, on the
other hand, points out that every delay is harmful, and that the
intercepted exchange of enemy radio messages can hardly be of any
significance for the operation. The Group states that an early
departure under the cover of darkness is desirable; if necessary,
the ship should transfer during the first night and depart on
the following night.
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
The convoy en route from Aalborg to Oslo, with the steamer
WUKL carrying men on leave, entered Oslo. Convoy and patrol opera-
tions in the area of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, Baltic
Sea proceeded according to plan.
The steamers WOLSTJM and LEVANTE carrying convicts and Russian war
prisoners departed from the Baltic Sea en route to northern Norway.
The Armed Forces High Command Operations Staff has directed that,
instead of the 5th Mountain Division, the 3rd Mountain Division be
transported from Norway to Finland by sea. The transport is to be
speeded up by every possible means.
Convoy operations in the area of the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic
Sea proceeded without incident •
Enemy planes attacked a motor mine sweeper group 15 miles north-
west of Hungerborg. The motor mine sweeper R "106" was sunk.
V. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation ;
1 British vessel was observed 200 miles northwest and
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CONFIDENTIAL
15 Aug. 19U2
another one 100 miles south of Porcupine Bank. On 11 Aug.
the Dutch submarine C "2I+" was located off Freetown.
'2. Own Situation ;
, 7 submarines departed from German bases and 2 from harbors
In western France.
SuSnferine U "209" in the Arctic Ocean was notified of the presence
of enemy patrol forces in an area extending from south of Novaya
Zemlya to the Kara Strait. Submarine TJ "601" reported the
Ice boundary l60° and 100 miles off Cape Zhelaniya.
In the North Atlantic, submarine U "705" sighted I4. steamers and 1|
destroyers in quadrant AL 1+527 » a nd scored 2 torpedo hits on a
large steamer. The operation against the convoy in quadrant AL
is being continued.
Off the American coast submarine U "14.58" sank a 3,000 GRT steamer
in quadrant BB 8682.
Contact with the convoy west of the Windward Passage was not
resumed.
No successes were reported by the submarines in the South Atlantic
and in the Mediterranean*
For further reports see supplement to the submarine situation in
War Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
VI. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity ;
During the day our air forces carried out armed recon-
naissance flights and fighter-bomber attacks over localities on
the coast. Sunderland and Great Yarmouth were raided in the night
of 15 Aug.
In that night, 60 to 75 ®nemy planes flew over western German, con-
centrating their attacks on Duesseldorf. For losses and damage
see daily situation report.
2. Mediterranean Theater ;
Reconnaissance flights extended over the entire Mediterran-
ean Sea. For results see Enemy Situation, Mediterranean. Fighter
thrusts east of El Alamein failed to establish contact with the
enemy.
3« Eastern Front ;
Reconnaissance flights were carried out over the Black
Sea, the Sea of Azov, and the Arctic Ocean. Supporting the Army
operations, our fighters shot down 38 and our anti-aircraft guns
8 enemy planes.
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CONFIDENTIAL
15 Aug. 19^2
h» Speolal Item3 t
The Air Force Operations Staff has placed the mine-
sweeping planes and their crews which have been or will be al-
located to the Air Force Group Command, Central Area under the
administrative command of the latter and the operational command
of Group North. The Air Force Group Command, Central Area has been
instructed to contact Group North directly in order to arrange for
joint action with regard to operations by mine-sweeping planes.
(See Telegram 2200.)
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean ;
The data on the whereabouts of the large, convoy of 2
battleships, 1+ aircraft carriers, some JO cruisers, destrdyers,
and escort vessels, and 21 steamers and tankers, which departed
from the Strait of Gibraltar eastward on 10 Aug., can be summarized
as follows:
The following vessels have re-entered Gibraltar:
On 12 Aug. - the FURIOUS (in damaged condition) and 3 destroyers,
plus 1 destroyer damaged in a collision.
On lij. Aug. - the RODNEY, 1 damaged aircraft carrier of the
ILLUSTRIOUS class, 1 cruiser, and 6 destroyers,
2 of them damaged.
In the night of lij. Aug. - 1 cruiser, 7 destroyers, l\. corvettes,
1 of them damaged.
On 15 Aug. - the NELSON, 1 aircraft carrier of the ILLUSTRIOUS
class, I4. cruisers, and 10 destroyers.
At least 2 more cruisers and 5 destroyers which were northwest of
Cape Bougaroun on lij. Aug. are expected to arrive at Gibraltar.
Thus, 2 battleships, 3 aircraft carriers, 8 cruisers, and 36
destroyers and escort vessels have entered port. The sinking of
the EAGLE, the MANCHESTER, and the destroyer WRESTLER has been
established with absolute certainty. Moreover, 3 tankers or
steamers sunk off the Tunisian coast have been identified. i|
steamers and 1 tanker were at Malta. As for the fate of the
remaining 13 steamers, more information will have to be obtained,
possibly from prisoner statements. In particular, it will be
necessary to find out how many steamers and tankers actually
belonged to the convoy from the very beginning, if we are to form
a clear picture of the real extent of our success. These figures
are also Important for determining whether the convoy was destined
for either Malta or Alexandria alone, or for both of them.
The British Admiralty issued a detailed report on the convoy
operation. Vice Admiral Syfret was in command of the operation.
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15 Aug. I9I4.2
The report states that, as a result of the operation, the
British convoy succeeded in bringing supplies and reinforcements,
including a number of fighter planes, to the fortress of Malta.
The attacks by PT boat forces in the Strait of Sicily were identified
as such, and movements of the Italian cruiser division, as well as
the 2 torpedo hits on the 2 cruisers, were correctly observed.
It is claimed that 1 submarine was definitely and another probably
sunk. The loss of the -MANCHESTER is admitted.
Washington denies any participation of American vessels in the
Mediterranean operation.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean ;
The 2 German PT boats operating in the area off Malta
failed to sight any enemy vessels.
A belated report states that in the night of 12 Aug. 6 light
enemy vessels fired on the harbor installations of Rhodes.
3» Transport of Supplies to North Africa ;
The transport of supplies from Italy and Greece to
North Africa and along the North African coast proceeded accord-
ing to plan. No incidents have been reported.
1,007 tons were unloaded in Tobruk on 13 Aug. and 730 on ^h Aug.
I+. Area Naval Group South ;
Aegean Sea ;
Convoy operations proceeded as planned. Destroyer
ZG "3" entered Suda on the evening of ll; Aug.
Black sea ;
While leaving Yeisk, one of the vessels of the motor
mine sweeper group was sunk by a mine, further statements by
Russian deserters unanimously assert that the last Russian war-
ships to leave laid magnetic and acoustic mines in the approaches
to Yeisk.
Referring to the motor mine sweeper lost off Yeisk, Group South
points out once again that It is highly probable that there are
Russian magnetic and acoustic mines in these waters. The Group
therefore requests that mine-sweeping specialists with the
necessary equipment and planes be dispatched to Mariupol. It
is of Importance for mine-sweeping operations in any of the
eastern Black Sea harbors to ascertain the type of mines and
mine-sweeping methods used by the Russians. (See Telegram 2100.)
If the weather improves, the 1st PT Boat Flotilla will be sent
into action off Tuapse and the Italian subchaser flotilla off
Novorossisk. 3 Italian submarines are to transfer from Constanta
to Ivanbaba.
On the basis of intelligence reports Group South reports that in
answer to an inquiry by the U.S. Ambassador in Ankara as to what
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CONFIDENTIAL
15 Aug. 19i^2
measures Turkey might be expected to take If Russian naval forces
enter a Turkish harbor, the Turkish Government declared un-
equivocally that it will proceed in accordance with international
maritime law.
According to the experience with the Russian fleet In the Baltic
Sea and the personal experience of the former Naval Attache in
Moscow, the Naval Staff expects the Russian fleet to fight to
their last round of ammunition in the defense of Batum and then to
scuttle those vessels which escaped destruction in the battle.
Since Turkey is Incapable of interning the. Russian fleet, it might
also try to continue warfare from some bay in Turkish territorial
waters, taking along large quantities of supplies. An attempt to
break through the Dardanelles appears hopeless, and therefore
unlikely. A few runaway vessels might go into voluntary internment.
The same applies to the Russian merchant fleet. The Naval Staff
communicates these views to Group South, with copies to the Naval
Representative on the Armed Forces High Command Operations Staff,
the Naval Liaison Officer to the Army General Staff and the Naval
Liaison Officer to the Air Force Operations Staff. (See Telegram I919.)
The Air Force Operations Staff has ordered the transfer of 1
mine-sweeping plane hitherto employed by the 3rd Air Force, to-
gether with its crew, to Mariupol for a temporary assignment
with the l+th Air Force. The J+th Air Force is to work out the
operations schedule for the plane in direct consultation with
Group South. The Naval Staff has instructed the latter accordingly.
All sorts of rumors are circulating in the Army about the start
of supply transport movements from Taganrog, and these must be'
investigated. It Is being asserted that the Navy refused to start
the transport of supplies from Taganrog because of the uncertain
mine situation and the Russian gunboat menace, whereupon the
Siebel ferry battalion ventured the crossing on Its own, with-
out the Navy's permission. The Naval Staff has requested Group
South to submit the report of the Naval Shore Commander, Ukraine
along with its own report on this subject.
VTII. Situation East Asia
The report of the Admiral, Tokyo summarizes the results of
the Naval battle off the Solomon Islands as follows:
1. On 7 Aug. naval land-based planes damaged 2 destroyers,
one of which sank later.
2. On 8 Aug. an aerial torpedo attack caused the sinking
of 2 heavy and 2 light cruisers, 2 destroyers, and 9 transports;
2 heavy cruisers and 2 transports were set on fire. One of these
transports later sank.
3. In the night of 8 Aug. a Japanese force consisting of
5 heavy and 2 light cruisers and 1 destroyer encountered an enemy
patrol of I4. heavy cruisers off Tulagi. The Japanese immediately
launched a gunfire and torpedo attack in which 2 of the enemy
cruisers were sunk. A running battle with another enemy force
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CONFIDENTIAL
15 Aug. 191+2
of 6 cruisers and 8 destroyers east of the first one followed.
All enemy vessels, with the exception of 2 badly damaged destroyers,
were sunk. The combat range was 3,000 to 6,000 meters. This means
that , only 2 cruisers and 2 destroyers survived the night battle,
while 2 vessels of the AUSTRALIA class, 5 of the SAN FRANCISCO
class, and 1 of the OMAHA class were sunk.
I4.. On the morning of 9 Aug. a British cruiser of the
ACHILLES class (not a battleship) was sunk by aerial torpedoes
100 lilies south of Tulagi.
5» On 10 Aug. the remaining enemy naval forces and transport
fleet were no longer sighted off Tulagi.
6. Sum total of the sinkings:
a. Cruisers: I4. on 8 Aug., 8 in the night of 8 Aug.,
1 on 9 Aug. Total: 13.
b. Destroyers: 1 on 7 Aug., 2 on 8 Aug., 6 in the
night of 8 Aug. Total: 9.
7. The Admiral, Tokyo reports further as follows:
a. The fighting continues. Since, however, the
Americans are not receiving any supplies, the Japanese Navy
expects the battle to end soon. Radio communication with Tulagi
has been reestablished. Enemy reports about successful seizure
of the Solomon Islands are incorrect.
b. The Japanese air forces in Rabaul recently obtained
reinforcements which more than compensate for the losses incurred.
c. Prior to and during their attack on the Solomon
Islands the Americans evidently tried to prevent Japanese air
reconnaissance operations by heavier raids on Rabaul, without,
however, achieving any noteworthy success.
d. South of Timor, light enemy forces were sighted
only once; this was off Samuraki 1+ or 5 days ago, when they were
driven off by Japanese fleet and air forces. No landing was made.
e. On 11 Aug. Japanese planes attacked the newly-
built airfield near Moresby and allegedly destroyed 11 enemy
planes.
This report again shows the excellent training
of the Japanese forces in night combat and their
great superiority in this respect over the enemy
flee.ts.
IX. Army Situation
1. Russian Front :
Army Group A :
Pushing farther in the direction south of Krasnodar, our
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15 Aug. 19i+2
troops took Georgievsk, Afipskaya, and Dmitrievka. Advance de-
tachments of the 1st Mountain division reached the area 10 km
south of Teberda in the direction of the Dombai pass. Spearheads
of the 23rd Panzer Division are engaged in active air defense
operations northeast of Nalchik. The LII Army Corps is advancing
from the Elista area toward the southeast.
Army Group B ;
Air reconnaissance has disclosed that the enemy is
bringing up strong forces from Stalingrad against the right sector
of the northern front of the Panzer Army. The 6th Army launched
an attack on the northeastern bend of the Den River northwest of
Stalingrad with the intention of encircling the enemy forces
located in the river bend. The enemy succeeded in reaching the
southern bank of the Don River on both sides of the point where the
Khoper River flows into the Don. Northwest of Voronezh, a
counterattack by our troops resulted in the restoration of our
previous main line of resistance. Southeast of Yelets enemy
troops extended their breakthrough in westerly direction.
Central Army Group ;
Little ground has so far been gained by our thrust
toward the Zhizdra River.
All enemy attacks east of Vyazma were repulsed. Enemy planes
made it very difficult for the 31st Division to take up its
attack position. Enemy attacks in the area south and north, of
Rzhev were repulsed with the support of the Air Force. Our
troops took back the line northeast of Rzhev.
Northern Army Group ;
Enemy attacks against the land bridge southeast of
Staraya Russa were repulsed. Our troops succeeded in greatly
improving their position at the bridgehead south of Soltsy.
2. Finnish Front ;
Local fighting was reported. Otherwise" there were
no important engagements.
3. North Africa ;
The planned defense measures were cancelled in view of
the successful aotion against the enemy convoy in the Mediterranean*
Otherwise there was nothing to report.
*###4HHHHt*###4KHMfrtt*HHttHMM»
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CONFIDENTIAL
16 Aug. 1942
Items of Political Importance
In an article on the military situation, the Dagens Nyheter prop-
erly emphasizes the German victory at Tobruk as a decisive factor
In frustrating the Allied plans for a second front. The promises
to Molotov were made at a time when it was definitely expected that
the Germans would be driven out of North Africa before the end of
the summer. In this ca.se the British fleet would have been master
of the Mediterranean, leaving enough ships available for a large-
scale operation in France. Rommel's victory upset all these cal-
culations and made it impossible for Russia's allies to keep their
reluctant promise to Molotov, namely, to advance the date of the
offensive originally planned for 1943.
In one of the American periodicals, the British Air Marshal threat-
ens that, as soon as the nights are long enough, a large-scale air
offensive will be launched against German cities, including Berlin,
with the aim of demoralizing the German people.
In Britain as well as in Amerioa the press and the Navy are at odds
with regard to security regulations.' In London, the dispute was
caused by the premature announcement of the loss of the EAGLE in
the Daily Express . In the U.S.A., the cause was a report in the
Chicago Tribune Carelessly revealing information about the Midway
Island operation.
Speoial Items
I. On 5 Aug. the first military conference since Japan's entry
into the war was held between the Chief of the Armed Forces Opera-
tions Staff, General Jodl (Artillery) Admiral Nomura, and General
Banzai. The Germans gave a survey of the Caucasus operation and of
the situation in the Near and Middle East. Great Britain cannot
afford to lose the Middle East, in view of her oil interests, the
Arab question, and the attitude of Turkey. For this reason enemy
supply shipments to this area should be attacked by the Germ&n Navy
in the narrow waters between Africa and America, by Japan, with the
aid of surface foroes if necessary, along the eastern ooast of Africa.
Once Russia is beaten the war will be decided. Japan can help by
the above-mentioned operation. The Fuehrer, too, is of the opinion
that Japan should not attack the Russian territory in the Fax East
unless she has definite superiority and the certainty of a quick
victory. Otherwise a new theater of war would mean an excessive
burden to Japan.
While agreeing in principle with this estimate of the situation,
Nomura outlined the following tasks for the Japanese and the German
Armed Foroes:
for Japan - India, Australia, and the Indian Ocean
for Germany - the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
Preparations by Japan are in progress, only the date remains to be
fixed. In view of the considerable strength of the British in the
western part of the Indian Ocean, the Japanese fleet can operate
there only after careful preparation and after the monsoon period
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CONFIDENTIAL
16 Aug. 1942
ie over. Japanese submarine operations are being gradually inten-
sified. Japan's tactical and strategical ideas differ from those
"held by Germany. For the Japanese Navy, the ultimate goal is to
annihilate the naval forces of the enemy in order to obtain control
of the seas. Germany, whose surface forces are weak, must confine
herself to submarine attacks on merchant ships. The Japanese Navy
has to control 3 fronts: in the east, the south, and the west. More
would be too much. Japan will gradually push ahead by way of India,
while Germany and Italy should advance similarly in the Middle East.
Too much must not be demanded of Japan.
The Naval Staff is of the opinion that in a coalition
war the individual powers must sometimes subordinate
■-" their own objectives to a common interest.
General Banzai said that 1 1/3 years ago it was decided that Japan
should launch an offensive in the south although she would have
preferred to attack the enemy in the north. Now it is difficult to
carry the attack to the north, too. The Array might still be in a
position to do so, but the Air Force would have to cope with too
many tasks in areas too wide apart. China is consuming too much
of the Japanese Air Force. Germany must give Japan time for a
thorough preparation. The German offensive in Egypt is important.
From now on, such discussions are to be held approximately every 4
weeks.
The Naval Staff sincerely welcomes the fact that a
German military commander of authority finally
initiated discussions with Japan on the common
objectives and task«3 of Germany and Japan in the
present war. The Naval Staff has been constantly
pursuing this course with notable success, particu-
larly in getting the Japanese war leaders to co-
operate with the German policy, as recognized by
General Jodl himself.
II. According to a noteworthy agent report transmitted by the Air
Force Operations Staff on 5 Aug., a committee of 5 U.S. naval ex-
perts surveyed Vladivostok and the Amur Bay in April 1942 in order
to examine the defensive capacity of this area against a Japanese
attack. The findings were extremely unsatisfactory for the enemy.
Neither by themselves nor with American aid would the Russians be
able to defend Vladivostok. On the contrary, Japan could overrun
the entire eastern part of Siberia as far as Lake Baikal with only
30 divisions. Thus the committee had to confine itself to determin-
ing what should be moved in time to be saved and what should be
destroyed. The situation in eastern Siberia causes great concern in
Washington, particularly since the Russians know how to use the
threat of a separate peace for extorting any desired aid from the
Allies. The entire burden of the defense in the Far East will have
to be borne by the U.S.A., since the German view that the most im-
portant part of Russia lies in Asia is regarded as incorrect.
This is not a German view, but the logical aim of the
German policy intended to bring about a situation
which would push such a formidable neighbor away from
Europe. After all, this was the very purpose of the
German attack in 1941 i
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16 Aug. 1942
CONFIDENTIAL
III. The negotiations between the Naval High Command, General Admin-
istration Bureau, Recruitment Division and the Armed Forces High
Command about further replacements for the Navy, chances of which
appear unfavorable, have demonstrated the following:
Replacements required for the period from 1 Aug. 1942 to 30 Sep. 1943 :
1. For shore duty
2. For shipboard duty, exclusive of submarines
3. For submarines
4. Replacements for casualties, etc.
5. Replacements for personnel transferred to
shipyards
85,500 men
41,500 men
18,000 men
33,000 men
3,800 men
181,000
Total requirements, exclusive of reserves
Available :
Of those already inducted, those subject to service,
and the rest of the 24 and 25 year old naval reservists: 110,100
Hence, replacements required but not available 71,000
The effect will be that not only will it be impossible to make per-
sonnel available for shore duty, but any unscheduled requirements
which arise in the operations areas will have to be met partly by
withdrawing personnel from shore duty. This will result in a con-
stant decrease of personnel, particularly in naval artillerv and
coastal defenses.
This survey of naval requirements demonstrates to
what a critical extent the expansion of the war has
strained our manpower situation. Since the war is
expected to continue for some time, this factor
should be given the most serious consideration.
IV. A new Supplies and Fuel Branch has been established within the
Naval Staff Quartermaster Division, under Rear Admiral (Engineer)
Dr. Luettge.
V. According to a communication from the Naval Liaison Officer to
the Air Force Operations Staff dated 12 Aug., the Commander in Chief,
Air Force has asked the Commanding General, Armed Forces, South to
report on the problem of mining the Strait of Sicily through which
62 British vessels again passed unimpeded on the night of 11 Aug,
When the Caucasian offensive is finished (in about 3 weeks), the
4th Air Force will have to transfer a large proportion of its planes
to the 1st Air Force which in the meantime is making preparations
for an attack on Leningrad.
Since visibility on the night of 11 Aug. was poor, the enemy air
raid on Mainz on that night could only have been carried out by
means of radio navigation (planes guided by radio beams).
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CONFIDENTIAL
16 Aug. 1942
Since unfortunately no other mines are available, the 5th Air Force
has been ordered to lay immediately BM 1000 mines off Archangel.
Situation Ifi Aug. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
Disposition of British naval forces on 1 Aug.:
At home: 8 battleships, 6 aircraft carriers, 31 cruisers
In Canada: 1 battleship, 1 aircraft carrier, 1 cruiser
U.S. West Coast: 1' battleship, 5 cruisers, 3 auxiliary cruisers
Freetown: 1 aircraft carrier, 4 cruisers, 8 auxiliary cruiser
Cape Area: 4 cruisers
Gibraltar: 1 aircraft carrier, 5 cruisers
Indian Ocean: 5 battleships, 3 aircraft carriers, 11 cruisers,
6 auxiliary cruisers
Australia: 3 or 4 cruisers, 5 auxiliary cruisers
For disposition of individual vessels see Radiogram 2351.
No further reports have been received.
2. Own Situation :
At 0317 ship "28" 6ent a short signal reporting the silent
capture and sinking* of steamer ARABISTAN (5,874 GRT) in large quadrant
FU and that she has shifted her operations area to the southern- part
of the South Atlantic. Since information at her disposal is in-
adequate, ship "28" asks for a report on the enemy situation.
The Naval Staff sent its confirmation via Radiogram 0511.
This report is particularly reassuring because it
proves that the situation is still clear for ship
"28", although th3 American press has been spreading
news about a search operation by U.S. cruisers in
the 8outh Atlantic. The ship's withdrawal to the
southern part of the South Atlantic was absolutely
appropriate. The sinking of the ARABISTAN brings
the total tonnage sunk by this sucoes6ful auxiliary
cruiser up to more than 62,000 GRT.
* Silent capture: a method of attaok which prevented the victim from
sending out radio messages. The raiding ship's airplane would swoop
down on the ship in a surprise attack and cut her antennas.
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CONFIDENTIAL
16 Aug. 1942
All vessels in foreign waters are being notified about the dispo-
sition of British naval forces on 1 Aug. via Radiogram 2351, about
developments concerning Argentina's and Chile's neutrality via
Radiogram 1141, and about the enemy situation via Radiogram 1918.
Via Telegram 0505 the Naval Staff is sending the German Admiral in
Tokyo a report on the operation against the Mediterranean convoy
for information of the Japanese Naval Staff.
TT. Sitnflt.inn Wpr+. Arpa
1. Enemy Situation ;
According to radii intelligence, a British task force com-
mander reported at 2305 that he had intended to board a German ves-
sel but was unable to do so because the vessel was on fire. Her
crew has been taken aboard. The British vessels are carrying war
prisoners.
2. . Own Situation ;
Atlantic Coast ;
No incidents were reported.
Channel Coast ;
At 0255, 5 vessels of the 4th PT Boat Flotilla entered
Hook of Holland. 4 vessels of the 5th PT Boat Flotilla are scheduled
to carry out a mine operation on the night of 16 Aug., and PT boats
S "104" and "105" are scheduled to transfer from Boulogne to Ijrauiden
on that night. Mine operation "Akkord" has been executed according
to plan. Operations "Fritz" and "Arbeiter" are scheduled for the
night of 16 Aug.
At 2228 our motor mine sweepers made contact with enemy motor gun-
boats in quadrant AN 7997. Details are still lacking. (See also
Enemy Situation.)
From 2211 to 2216 the batteries "Grossdeutschland" , "Todt", and
"Grosser Kurfuerst", as well as the 702nd Army Artillery Battalion
fired 14 rounds in retaliation for the gunfire attack on our vessels
by the British battery at St. Margaret on Cliff. At 2343, the
battery "Grosser Kurfuerst" and the 2nd Naval Coastal Artillery
Battalion opened fire on a burning enemy vessel in quadrant AN 79.
f
f
ITT. North Sea f Norway, Arctic Ooean
1. North Sea ;
Enemy Situation ;
No reports of interest were received.
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CONFIDENTIAL
16 Aug. 1943
Own Situation ;
On the night of 15 Aug. enemy planes were active over the
German Bight. It is assumed that mines were dropped on the convoy
routes north of Schiermonnikoog and Borkum. Our night fighters
failed to establish contact with the enemy. Between 0206 and 0235
an enemy courier plane flew from England to Sweden via Skagerrak.
The mine-detonating vessel "160" which was proceeding ahead of con-
voy no. 1870, consisting of torpedo boat JAGUAR, 8 steamers total-
ling 31,548 GRT, 3 patrol vessels, and 1 mine sweeper, en route
from Hook of Holland to the Elbe River sank off the Dutch coast
after striking a mine. During the afternoon enemy planes were active
over the Dutch coast. It was observed that 4 bombs or mines were
dropped in the North Sea Canal off Ijmuiden. 2 Spitfires made a
low-level attack on Schouwen Island. 1 plane flew over Wilhelm-
shaven, penetrating as far as the Berlin area, and returned by the
same route.
3 ground mines were swept in the Borkum area.
Mine operation "SW 101" has been executed according to plan.
2. Norway ;
On 14 Aug. the enemy battery on the Rybachi Peninsula
fired 6 rounds on the entrance to the Petsamo Fjord without oausing
any damage. On 15 Aug. Norwegian fishermen sighted a surfaced
Russian submarine east of Kyberg. Single Russian planes were
operating over the Arctic coast. ,
Protective nets have been laid off the Sweden pier and the oil
pier in Petsamo.
The mine layer ULM, the destroyer Z "23", and the torpedo boats
T "9" and T "12" passed through Kristiansand South in northerly
direction.
The areas of Narvik, Tromsoe, Hammerfest, and Kristiansand South
have been placed on first-degree alert on account of poor visibility.
Convoy and mine-sweeping operations proceeded according to plan
without noteworthy incidents.
3. Arctic Ocean :
Enemy Situation :
On 15 Aug. air reconnaissance spotted 3 small steamers
and 3 barges in Kharakovo and 1 small harbor patrol vessel in each
of the bays northwest and east -northeast of Kharakovo. Air recon-
naissance also reports an unbroken thin ice cover in the Kara Strait.
Own Situation :
Asked by the Admiral, Arctic Ocean on what basis Group
North assumes that convoy PQ 18 has reached its port of destination,
the Naval Staff refers the Admiral to the press report, which the
Naval Staff considers was released for deceptive purposes, since
no time was mentioned.
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CONFIDENTIAL
16 Aug. 1942
Group North also communicates this opinion of the Naval Staff to the
Admiral, Arctic Ocean, with copy to the 5th Air Force, stating that
the Navy and the Air Force have exhausted their means of intercepting
convoy PQ 18 and that no success can be expected from carrying on the
search. According to Group North, it is of foremost importance to
keep the submarine positions in the Denmark Strait continuously oc-
cupied in order to ascertain the departure of the convoy in time. As
soon as the first definite report is received, the submarines posted
in the harbors must proceed to take up positions west of Spitsbergen
or in the Bear Island Strait with as much speed as visibility and
weather conditions permit. If necessary, they should also take up
positions at the entrance to the White Sea. Submarines committed to
other tasks should in each case be re-directed toward the most valuable
target, which is generally a PQ convoy.
The Naval Staff agrees with this directive.
The Admiral, Arctic Ocean reports that operation "Wunderland" was
started from the Bogen Bay at 1700. At 2300, the SCHEER was in the
northern outlet of the Grirasoestraumen.
The Naval Staff has informed Group North, the Commanding Admiral,
Norway, the Fleet, the Commanding Admiral, Cruisers, and the Admiral,
Arctic Ocean about the prisoner statements according to which convoys
from England to Archangel started as early as 1941. During the winter
of 1941-1942, the harbor was kept open until the end of January by
the ice-breaker LENIN which had worked all through the winter of 1940-
1941. Ships dock at the piers. The harbor is not fortified. There
is an airfield on Keg Island. The Naval Staff has called the attention
of the Air Force Operations Staff to the possibilities of a success-
ful operation against this target.
IV. Skagerrak. Baltic Sea Entrances. Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation :
A Finnish source reports that on the evening of 15 Aug. an
enemy submarine was located approximately 1 mile north of Hogland
and that she was attacked by Finnish patrol vessels.
2. Own Situation :
On 15 Aug. the Norwegian steamer LOG (1,510 GRT) sank in
the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal at Km 86.5. Ships not exceeding 10,000 GRT
in tonnage, 20 ra in width, and 8 m in draft are able to pass through
the canal. The Swedish steamer WARY collided with another steamer
lying at anchor off Buelk and was beached. A total of 4 ground mines
were swept in the Fehmarn Belt, the Great Belt, and the Kattegat.
Enemy planes are increasing their activity over the Gulf of Finland.
Motor mine sweeper R "106" was attacked from the air and destroyed
in the southern part of the "Seeigel" minefield. 12 enemy planes
bombed and strafed mine layer M "29" south of Vigrund, causing a
number of casualties. 13 bombers unsuccessfully attacked the 3rd
Mine Sweeper Flotilla south' of Tytersaari. 2 of the planes were
set on fire. Mine-sweeping, convoy, and patrol operations in the
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CONFIDENTIAL
16 Aug. 1942
area of the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea proceeded accord-
ing to plan.
The 1st Air Force has repeatedly rejected all the urgent demands by
the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea for fighter protection. The
Commanding Admiral, Group North has therefore instructed the Com-
mander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea to withdraw the naval forces from
the most imperiled area pending the arrival of the indispensable
fighter protection, so as to avoid losses to our forces and prevent
easy viotories by the Russian Air Force. The Commanding Admiral,
Group North has requested the Naval Staff to use its influence in
bringing about the allocation of adequate forces to the 1st Air Force
in view of the fact that naval warfare cannot be carried on in coastal
waters close to the enemy's shore without air support.
The Naval Staff is taking the necessary steps.
V. Submarine Warfare
t
1. Enemy Situation :
Both groups and the Iceland forces maintained lively
reconnaissance activity. From the Bay of Biscay alone we intercepted
4 submarine sighting reports and 4 reports on air attacks against
submarines sent by planes. Other submarine sighting reports were
intercepted from some 370 miles northwest of Porcupine Bank and 110
miles south of Rockall Bank. British vessels were located 250 miles
northwest of Cape Ortegal as well as about 50 miles from that posi-
tion and also 300 miles northwest of Porcupine Bank.
In the West Indies area, submarine sighting reports were picked up
from the Florida Strait, the Windward Passage, east of Martinique,
and from the area about 400 miles southeast of Trinidad.
2. Own Situation :
Disposition of submarines :
■
In the Arctic Ocean, 8 submarines are at their positions,
2 are en route to and 3 are en route from the operations area. 8
submarines are in the harbors.
In the Atlantic Ocean . 36 submarines are in the operations area. 4
submarines have departed from the harbors of western France and 16
from Germany. 15 submarines are en route back to their bases.
1 submarine is in the area of northern Scotland and Iceland .
5 submarines are in the operations area of the South Atlantic group ,
while 8 have departed for that area.
In the Mediterranean . 4 submarines are operating at sea, 2 have de-
parted from base and 1 is returning to base. ' 8 submarines are in
the harbors and bases.
5 submarine tankers are at sea.
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CONFIDENTIAL
16 Aug. 1943
No successes have as yet been achieved against the convoy assumed
to be in quadrant AL.
Submarine U "596" sank the evidently unescorted Swedish steamer
SUECIA (3,730 GRT) in quadrant AL 4189.
Submarine U "294" returning from the operations area evaded a three-
fan in quadrant BE 6686, 250 miles northwest of Cape Ortegal (see
Enemy Situation). This confirms the assumption that the enemy is
also using submarines to fight our submarines in the outer part of
the Bay of Bisoay.
Nothing noteworthy has been reported from the American east coast.
Since the ship traffic in the Trinidad area has undergone changes
due to the appearance of large numbers of our submarines, they have
been assigned new attack areas, directly off the harbors wherever
possible. No reports of successes in this area were received.
Of the group operating in the South Atlantic, submarine U "752"
sank an 8,000 GRT steamer in quadrant ET 9317 on 13 Aug. 5 (later 6)
boats of the "Bluecher" group are scheduled to attack a convoy which
was located in quadrant CG 7357.
Since the Commander, Submarines, Italy does not expect any further
enemy operations in the western Mediterranean before the end of
August, the Naval Staff agreed by telephone to his suggestion that
the submarines employed in that area be transferred to the eastern
Mediterranean.
For further reports see supplement to the submarine situation in
War Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
VI. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity :
Bad weather hampered reconnaissance operations. 3 enemy
planes were shot down near Fanoe. In the night of 16 Aug. our planes
attacked airfields in the Nottingham area. Enemy planes made 30 to
35 incursions into the Reich area on that night, penetrating as far
as Rostock, Stolp, Bornholm, and Kallundborg. One of the planes
flew as far as Gdynia. No bombings were observed. It is to be
assumed that the planes have been dropping mines. For inoursions
during the day see Situation, North Sea.
2. Mediterranean Theater :
Our planes carried out a number of reoonnaissanoe mis-
sions. For results see Enemy Situation, Mediterranean.
3. Eastern Front :
In the Black Sea, 2 small vessels were sunk and 2 others
damaged off Temryuk. 3 medium-sized steamers were damaged in the
harbor and the roadstead of Novorossisk. 1 steamer was damaged and
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CONFIDENTIAL
16 Aug. 1942
1 coastal vessel was sunk off Gelendzhik.
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
- I4 Enemy Situation, Mediterranean ;
An aircraft carrier of the ILLUSTRIOUS class, which docked
in Gibralter on 15 Aug., left dock at noon. In the night of 15 Aug.
1 battleship of the RODNEY class, the FURIOUS, 1 ship of the IL-
LUSTRIOUS class, and 1 cruiser departed from Gibraltar, presumably
in westerly direction. On 16 Aug. at noon 2 more cruisers and 1
destroyer left Gibraltar, presumably also for the west. At 1400
the NELSON, 1 aircraft carrier of the ILLUSTRIOUS class, 1 cruiser
of the FIJI class, and another cruiser, as well as the ARGUS (in
dock) , were observed in ths harbor.
According to an intelligence report from an unconfirmed source, the
vessels in Gibraltar showed the following damage:
The starboard anti-aircraft gun mount of the ILLUSTRIOUS was hit by
a bomb. 2 guns are missing. The bomb penetrated 2 decks and ex-
ploded 20 feet above the waterline, tearing a hole of approximately
7 meters in diameter in the ship's side. Another hit, presumably
from a gun, can be seen on the port side at the level of the bridge.
The hole in the ship's side is about 5 meters large.
The RODNEY was hit by a torpedo on the port side. Details are lack-
ing. (The torpedo might have been fired by an Italian submarine.)
The bow of a DIDO-class .cruiser was hit by a torpedo from a sub-
marine.
The bow of a FIJI-class cruiser was torn off.
The bows of 2 destroyers are badly damaged, apparently as a result
of a collision.
Air reconnaissance observed lively submarine activity off the western
coast of Greece.
Only few convoys were observed off the Palestinian coast.
2. Own Situation :
No incidents were reported.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa :
On 15 Aug. at 1830 an enemy submarine torpedoed the Italian
motor ship LERICI f6,C00 GRT) off the western coast of Crete. The
attempt to bring the ship into Navarino failed. An Italian destroyer
sank the steamer on 16 Aug. at noon.
An enemy submarine and planes attacked the convoy of the steamer
MENES en route from Benghazi to Suda. Enemy planes attacked the
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16 Aug. 1942
SPORTIVO and BIANCHI convoy en route from Suda to Tobruk. No re-
ports about the arrival of the £hips have been received so far.
Otherwise the transport of supplies proceeded according to plan.
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea :
Convoy operations proceeded as planned. The destroyer
ZG "3" will be relieved en route by an Italian destroyer and will
then proceed to Suda.
Black Sea :
Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance reports that there are no longer any
seaworthy vessels to be seen in Novorossisk. The hull of 1 warship,
4 tankers, 4 steamers, and 2 floating cranes were observed in Tuapse.
On 15 A°ug. the KRASNY KRIM, 1 flotilla leader, and 2 destroyers were
located at sea. Little traffic was observed off the eastern Black
Sea coast.
Own Situation :
Convoy operations proceeded according to plan.
5. Special Items :
(l) Group South has transmitted the following report
about the plans of the Admiral, Black Sea to the Naval Liaison
Officer with the Array High Command, with copy to the Naval Staff:
After the occupation of Novorossisk the supply transport route is
to be swept free of mines. The sunolies from the Rumanian and Rus-
sian areas will be brought by steamer to Balaklava where they will
be transferred to landing barges. From Balaklava the cargo will be
transported by landing barges via the coastal route sweot free of
mines to Novorossisk escorted by the 3rd Motor Mine Sweeper Flotilla,
with long-range reconnaissance and close escort by the 4th Air Force.
The transport of supplies from Kerch to Novorossisk will begin
simultaneously.
The Group remarks that Sevastopol and Feodosiya cannot be used as
ports of transshipment for the time being since no raine-sweeoing de-
vices are as yet available for the removal of influence mines. In
addition to the landing barges scheduled to oarticipate in operation
"Bluecher", 8 landing barges will be ready for transport operations
in the Crimean harbors on 18 Aug. This date deoends on the final
outcome of the investigation concerning Russian acoustic and magnetic
mines. (See Telegram 1340.)
(2) Group South announces that the Naval Shore Commander,
Ukraine has been asked to report on the rumors that the Navy is not
doing its part in transports to Azov. Apart from this, Group South
states that it is the duty of the responsible Naval Shore Commander
to see to it that supply transport routes are free of mines. The
date set by Army Group A as the latest on which the transports should
begin, i.e., 4 Aug., was met. Even if it is true that the Siebel
ferry detachment started the transport operation on its own initiative
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16 Aug. 1942
against the orders of the Naval Shore Commander, the fact that no
losses occurred during this operation can by no means be attributed
to the special courage of the participants but rather to their good
luck which has nothing to do with actual responsibility in the
military sense. (See Telegram 1340.)
This is exactly the opinion of the Naval Staff. -
(3) Group South does not recommend the use of submarine
DELFINUL for transport operations because her loading oapacity is
not great enough to be worth while; also, being a Rumanian vessel,'
the DELFINUL would have to be handled with particular care, with
the result that her use would hardly be more time-saving than that
of a surface ship (see Telegram 1340).
The Naval Staff agrees with this viewpoint.
VIII. Situation East Asia
No noteworthy reports have been received.
TY. Army 3i tiia-H rm
1. Russian Front ;
Army Group A ;
Neftegorsk has been captured. Advance detachments are
raarohing toward Alekseyevskoye. Spearheads of the XLIX Mountain
Corps are engaged in a fight with strong enemy forces 10 km north-
west of the Klukhor Pass. Another unit of the Mountain Corps is
advancing toward the Chiper Asau Pa6s on the southwest edge of the
Elbrus Mountain without having made contact with the enemy. The
3rd Panzer Division of the XL Panzer Corps is near Baksan, while
the 33rd Panzer Division of this corps took Soldatskaya.
Army Group B ;
The attack on the right wing of the 4th Panzer Army was
repulsed. The 6th Army mopped up the enemy forces in the Don River
bend on the western and northern banks of the river. Enemy attacks
south of the point where the Bityug River flows into the Don, as
well as south of Voronezh, and at the point of penetration southeast
and south of Yelets were repulsed. The enemy continued to bring up
reinforcements along the entire front.
Central Army Group :
Our troops continue their operation in the Sukhinichi area
against stubborn enemy resistance. Enemy attacks southeast of
Vyazma were repulsed. By attacking our southern position south of
Rzhev, the enemy widened the breach in our lines. All other enemy
attacks were repulsed. New strong enemy tank attacks were direoted
against our main line of resistance which had been withdrawn east
of Rzhev.
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16 Aug. 1942
Northern Army Group ;
Enemy attacks north of the land bridge south of Lake Ilraen
were repulsed. The enemy, attacking from the south, penetrated the
position of the SS Death's Head unit. A counterattack is under way.
Heavy enemy attacks near Soltsy were repulsed. Southeast of Leningrad
the enemy succeeded in penetrating our oosition at the railroad line
near Kolpino.
2. Finnish Front ;
No noteworthy fighting was reported.
3. North Africa ;
Enemy patrol operations and lively air activity are re-
ported from the central and southern sectors. Enemy artillery at-
tacks, at times very strong, were directed against our northern'
sector. On the night of 14 Aug. an enemy assault detachment landed
on the coast near El Daba. After inflicting minor damage on our
motor vehicles, the detachment made an attempt to break through to
the British lines in the east.
*************************
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17 Aug. 1942
Items of Political Importance
The Moscow Conference ;
Reuter has published an official British communique on the meet-
ing between Churchill and Stalin in Moscow. The conferences
lasted from 12 to 15 Aug. Wavell, Sir Alexander Cadogan, Alan
Brooke, .«Harriman, as well as Molotov and Voroshilov, were among
those attending the conferences. The communique states that a
number of decisions' were made concerning the war against Hitler
Germany and her allies in Europe. The two governments are de-
termined to carry on this war of liberation with all the forces
at their disposal and with utmost energy until Hitlerism as well
as any other tyranny of the same kind are completely annihilated.
Harriman represented Roosevelt at these conferences, which were
conducted f ln a spirit of cordiality and complete sincerity".
Churchill and Harriman left Moscow on 17 Aug.
Turkey ;
According to a statement of a Turkish diplomat, even a German
victory in the Caucasus or the collapse of Russia will not in-
duce Turkey to give up her neutrality, especially if the war be-
tween the Anglo-Americans and the Germans continues. Turkey, too,
is a sea power and. has to act accordingly,
Italy ;
The Associated Press reports that a Pan-American conference of
"Free Italians" in Montevideo has established a "government" t
under Count Sforza.
Conference on the Situation with the Chief, Naval Staff
I. In view of the great successes achieved by ship "28", the
Chief, Naval Staff lias ordered that the commander of the ship,
Comdr. von Ruckdeschel be promoted to captain.
In view of the obviously poor training of U.S. warships in night
combat, evidenced during the recent battle off the Solomon
Islands, all auxiliary cruisers should be informed accordingly.
The Naval Staff will take the necessary steps.
II. The Naval Staff is of the opinion that the enemy convoy in
the Mediterranean carried supplies for Malta. The large number
of transports used in. this operation was meant to anticipate
losses, ^he aircraft carriers were primarily designed to furnish
fighter protection for the convoy, aside from the task of trans-
porting planes to Malta which probably was of secondary importance
Following the heavy losses suffered early in July, the enemy may
be assumed to have expected a better chance for fighting off our
air attacks since the sky was clear and the barometer high. Be-
sides, the prevailing weather conditions are unfavorable for
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17 Aug. 1942
submarine attacks. The battleships had to be sent along in order
to protect the aircraft carriers.
According to reports received so far, 5 steamers, including 1
tanker, have reached Malta. The escort forces accompanying the
convoy have returned from Malta to Gibraltar.
This fact constitutes a striking demonstration of the inadequacy
of the mine barrage in the Strait of Sicily. The Naval Staff
will take further steps to block the passage completely by mines.
So far, the following enemy losses have been established: the
EAGLE and the MANCHESTER sunk, 2 aircraft carriers definitely
damaged, the RODNEY, 1 cruiser, and 2 destroyers probably damaged.
Further information is expected from prisoner statements.
The Naval Staff does not consider it likely that the British would
try to get a considerable amount of supplies to Egypt by way of
the western Mediterranean. In any case, the enemy has to expect
such high losses in the Mediterranean that in comparison the longer
route around the Cape would be more advantageous.
The Naval Staff has sent this opinion to the Armed Forces High
Command Operations Staff, with copy to the German Naval Command,
Italy, Group South, the Naval Liaison Officer to the Air Force
Operations Staff, and the Naval Liaison Officer to the Army Gen-
eral Staff.
III. With regard to the assumption of Group South that the enemy'
has laid magnetic mines with acoustic firing devices off Yeisk
and Akhtari, the Naval Staff states that, in addition to landing
barges and motor mine sweepers, there are also the vessels of the
Danube flotilla, the steamer BAIKAL, and 2 Rumanian vedette boats
which are suitable for sweeping mines in the Black Sea area. The
Naval Staff is trying to replace the only mine-detonating vessel
which was available and has been lost.
IV. The Chief, Naval Staff Communications Division reports that
today the most important information for decoding Anglo-American
radio messages was handed over to the Japanese to be taken along
by submarine I "30". As for the Japanese decoding service, the
Chief, Naval Staff Communications Division does not think that it
can keep pace with our own achievements. The Japanese designate
as valuable many of the enemy reports which we transmit to them
every day. In any case, it is we who are the givers in this ex-
change of information. If, as may be assumed, the Japanese are
unable to find out by themselves what code changes the enemy has
made during the voyage of submarine I "30", it will be somewhat
difficult for them to utilize the material delivered to them up to
this date. This will give us an opportunity to obtain valuable
evidence as to the actual effectiveness of the Japanese decoding
service.
V. The Chief, Naval Staff Quartermaster Division reports that
the Fuehrer was satisfied with his explanation of the Navy's
position with regard to the explosive cyclonite.
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17 Aug. 1942
VI. The Deputy Chief, Naval Staff Quartermaster Division dis-
cusses the report made by Vice Admiral Krancke to the Chief of
Staff, Naval Staff on 13 Aug. about the conference concerning the
Westwall-like fortification of the west coast defenses. The
Fuehrer declared that, due to the strategic situation, German
forces cannot operate on more than one front. So far, first the
treaty with Russia and then the Y/estwall enabled us to concentrate
our entire strength on •one front. The Fuehrer's hope for a quick
Russian defeat did not materialize, and no one can tell whether
it will this year; in any event, the bulk of our forces will un-
doubtedly have to remain in the east. For this reason it is
necessary to increase the defenses In the v/es.t. Only if the
coastal defenses are developed into a fortress protecting the west
from any attack, can Germany hold the coast safely with compara-
tively few divisions and defend it effectively against any land-
ing attempts; such attempts might even be entirely discouraged
by these measures, and this would be the most desirable effect.
The most precious thing of all is a German life. The blood
saved by the erection of this fortress is worth the billions to
be spent. In the beginning, it will presumably be necessary to
use the entire operational reserve in order to annihilate air-
borne landing troops. Should a landing be made thereafter on the
coast after very heavy air attacks, the coast would have to be
strong enough to hold out on its own for weeks. This can be done
only in well-fortified strongholds like the Westwall fortifications
Field fortifications are by no means adequate. They would not
suffice against heavy air raids or tanks. No air forces can be
withdrawn from the east, and it must be expected that the enemy
will have air superiority in the west. The submarine warfare and
the transport of supplies by sea must be maintained. This is a
prerequisite to victoryl The submarine bases and the most im- '
portant. harbors must be developed into real fortresses. Also those
harbors where the enemy might be expected to unload his supplies
of heavy armament, as well as those serving as bases for the German
naval defense forces, must be developed In the same manner. The
list submitted by the Naval Staff will serve as a guide. These
bases must also be made safe against attacks from the rear. The
Fuehrer has in mind a belt of pillboxes round the harbor, with a
radius of approximately 10 to 20 km, all covered with a thick
layer of concrete and armor. For this purpose the Navy should
hand over any unused armor, including the barbettes for the 40 cm. '
turrets which will never be installed on ships anyway. After the
war there will be enough productive capacity available to replace
the armor in time. All command posts must likewise be protected.
Not the fortification but the soldier must do the fighting. He
must therefore be protected against the heaviest type of air
attacks, and must also be able to sleep well. For this reason all
soldiers must be quartered inside the forts. The batteries must
not be destroyed prior to the landing, when they will be needed,
and should therefore be so well protected as to make them safe
even against the heaviest bombs. So far, this has been done only
in isolated cases, and there must be a change. The concrete top
must be at least 2 to 3.5 meters thick. In this connection, the
Fuehrer pointed to the Insufficient concrete covering of the naval
installations, whereupon Vice Admiral Krancke pointed out that the
Army installations on the coast are not stronger than those of the
Navy. Two thirds of the pictures of "foolish" installations shown
by General Jacob were photos of Army installations but were pre-
sented to the Fuehrer as belonging to the Navy. The case has been
clarified.
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CONFIDENTIAL
17 Aug. 1942
It will now be necessary to examine our installations from this
point of view and, first of all, to improve those still under con-
struction. Mounts for range finders should be placed under armor-
plated hoods. Embrasures should be very small. All entrances
must be well protected. The installations should be made safe
against being smoked out, even by means of flame throwers. They
should be protected against tanks by anti-tank gun emplacements
to which anti-tank troops could be brought up. ^he medium batteries
are to be supplemented by light batteries which can be used as
anti-aircraft guns in case of air attacks and as anti-tank guns
in case of land attacks (two-way training). The purpose of all
these measures is to achieve the highest defensive strength with
as little personnel as possible. Light batteries of all calibers
should be used to protect the shore against enemy landings in the
vicinity of the heavy batteries. Flame throwers used from in-
side the fort are very effective as a defense against assault de-
tachments .
In all (in France and Holland) 15,000 fortifications are to be
built, with each of the 10 most important naval bases to be pro-
tected by 400 fortifications. Tbe position of the heavy artillery
concentrated near Cape Gris Nez must also be protected by 1 a belt
of fortifications. General Jacob i g to work out the details in
cooperation with the Navy.
The system of pillboxes inside the belt should be as wide as
possible. Assault guns and tanks for counterattacks are like-
wise to be emplaced in concrete pillboxes.
Preparations for the construction of these pillboxes will take
some time. In the meantime Speer will push the completion of the
submarine pens. Only in Bordeaux will the completion be some-
what delayed (4 weeks); in other places the work will be finished
a little earlier.
VII. On orders from the Naval Staff Quartermaster' Division, the Na-
val Shore Command Willi has been renamed Naval Shore Command,
Caucasus .
VIII. Report by the Chief. Foreign Affairs Section, Naval Staff
Operations Division :
1. The Germans from Guatemala are not on board the Portu-
guese steamer which left Baltimore, because there was a traffic
delay in Mexico, for which allegedly nobody is to blame, and they
were unable to reach the ship in time.
2. The Armed Forces High Command has approved the voyage of
the motor ship CEFHEE from Dakar to Saigon, as requested by the
French. For details concerning precautionary measures see War
Diary, Part C, Vol. VIII.
In a Very Restricted Circle ;
IX. 1. The Chief, Operations Branch, Naval Staff Operations
Division reports on the disposition of submarines in the Mediter-
ranean. The report about the departure of the FURIOUS in easterly
direction proves that it is necessary to keep the submarines in
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CONFIDENTIAL
17 Aug. 1942
the western Mediterranean. A new order, cancelling the previous
authorization by telephone, is therefore issued to the Commander,
Submarines, Italy, with copy to the German Naval Command, Italy,
directing him to send no more than 2 submarines to the western
Mediterranean, after 4 have been sent to the eastern Mediterranean,
The Chief, Naval Staff agrees.
2. a. Our recent submarine losses show an extraordinary
increase. 10 boats were lost in July and 7 so far in August. The
Naval Staff attributes the loss of 4 of these 17 submarines to air
attacks on the Bay of Biscay where enemy planes also badly damaged
2 German and 1 Italian submarines.
b. The supply ship UCKERMARK, which departed from La
Rochelle on 9 Aug. to supply the auxiliary cruisers v and serve as
a blockade-runner, also had to interrupt her voyage and re-enter
port after having been repeatedly attacked by a British plane be-
tween the French coast and 8° W. The extensive blockade-runner
schedule starts with 9' ships which are to depart from western
France in August and September. In addition, 2 ships have already
departed from Japan and are expected to arrive in western France
in October.
c. The British Air Force can harass or even stop com-
pletely the blockade -runner service, the importance of which for
the German war economy, especially as far as food supplies are
concerned, is well known.
The Naval Staff submits these remarks to the Air Force, Operations
Staff, along with the figures on submarine losses and damages, as
a further argument to support its request for more planes for the
Bay of Biscay. (Copies to the Armed Forces High Command Operations
Staff and the Permanent Representative of the Commander in Chief,
Navy at the Fuehrer Headquarters.) At the same time, the Naval
Staff requests the Air Force Operations Staff to make known its
intentions in this respect.
Recent submarine losses:
June 1942:
July 1942:
submarines U "652" and U "568" in the Mediterranean
submarines U "502" and U "-751" sunk by planes in
the Bay of Biscay; furthermore, U "158", U "157",
U "701", U "90", U "136", U "215", U "153", and
U "576"
August 1942:
3.
the new
German
in time
manning
area,
matter,
ingly .
submarines U "213" and U "578" sunk by planes in
the Bay of Biscay, U "588", U "210" and U "379"
lost during the operations against convoys in
the North Atlantic, and U "166" lost off the
Mississippi estuary
According to a report from the German Naval Command, Italy
Rommel offensive is scheduled to begin on 28 Aug. The
Naval Command, Italy requests that steps be taken to dispatch
the 4 requisition detachments as well as the personnel for
the patrol vessels which will presumably be needed in that
The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division will take up the
The German Naval Command, Italy is being notified accord-
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17 Aug. 1942
4. The Naval Liaison Officer to the Army High Command re-
ports on plans for execution oi operation "Bluecher II". The
operation will presumably be carried out on 15 or 16 Aug., de- '
pending on the enemy situation. The crossing is to be arranged
primarily as a transport operation. For reoort and map see
1/Skl 1596/42 Gkdos. Chefs, in File "Bluecher".
X. In reply to an inquiry by the Ch^ef, Naval Staff, the Chief
of Staff, Naval Staff tentatively expresses his opinion about the
employment of the naval forces from the Norwegian theater as fol-
lows: It is not to be expected that the enemy forces will land
in northern Norway during the winter. Consequently, there will
be no vital need for keeping the ships in that area. If kept
there, their presence will have no other effect titan that of a
"fleet in being". If this, too, is dispensed with then it will
be possible to withdraw the large ships, with the 'exception of the
SCHEER, to Germany. Such action is desirable for its psychological
effect on the crews, etc., but especially because it would release
the destroyers for operations in the west area. In addition to
entering shipyards, the ships could be used for training purposes
in the eastern Baltic Sea. The SCHEER might be left in the north
area from where she could depart for an operation in the Atlantic
whenever necessary.
The Chief, Naval Staff agrees in principle with these conclusions.
The Naval Staff is investigating all the aspects of the problem.
Special Items:
I. For the opinion and the directive of the Naval Staff con-
cerning the shipyard period of the SCHEER and the effect on the
date of completion of the cruiser EMDEN see l/skl I op 20153/42
Gkdos. Copy no. 4 is in V/ar Diary, Part C, Vol. I.
In accordance with this instruction, Group North and the Fleet
are directed to prepare in advance the transfer of the SCHEER to
Germany for shipyard repairs after she has completed operation
"V/underland" . The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division is being
notified to this effect.
II. In view of the fact that from now on shipyard vrorkers are
to be made available to the Navy, the Commander in Chief, Navy
ordered the Naval Construction Division on 11 Aug. ..to keep him
informed about the projects that can be completed by the allocated
number of workers. In this connection, the Naval Staff Opera-
tions Division calls the attention of the Naval Staff Quartermaster
Division to the fact that, aside from the effect of the manpower
problem on the execution of the plans, it is also necessary to
take into account the curtailment of the Navy's shipyard capacity
resulting from the concessions which the Naval Construction Divi-
sion made to the director of the Chief Committee for Naval Con-
struction and to the Reich Commissioner of Maritime Shipping with
aegard to the shipyards in tho Netherlands and in Nikolayev. For
cooy of the minutes of the conferences held on 6 and 7 Aug. see
1/Skl 27497/42 geh. in War Diary, Part B, Vol. V.
The Naval Staff Operations Division requests the Naval Staff
Quartermaster Division to keep it informed about the matter.
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17 Aug. 1942
The Naval Staff Operations Division views with
considerable concern the fact that the Navy is being
restricted more and more in many directions.
III. The Army General Staff has transmitted the report of the
Military Attache in Stockholm of 14 Aug. stating Sweden's views
about the German operations. For copy see l/Skl 28146/42 geh.
in War Diary, Part B, Vol. V.
Situation 17 Aug. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
South Atlantic :
Radio intelligence reports that on 9 Aug. escort vessels
en route with the U.S. convoy AS 6 probably were ordered to pro-
ceed to St. Helena Island and to remain there ready to be called
out against a raider.
Freetown issued a warning about the presence of a submarine some
680 miles west of the Congo estuary. No German submarine is in
that area.
According to a report from Punta Arenas, a loaded U.S. tanker com-
ing from the Pacific entered the Atlantic Ocean. This report is
another indication of the evidently increasing use of the Magellan
Strait -for traffic between Chile and Australia.
2. Own Situation :
As for ship movements in the South Atlantic, the few
available course instructions issued by the enemy in August pre-
sent the same picture as the results of the reconnaissance voyage
of ship "23", that is:
a. In the eastern part of the South Atlantic the ships move
at a distance of 600 miles from the African coast.
b. Ships en route from the Cape to Brazil and the West Indies
proceed on courses west and south of the line connecting 33° S, 10° E
with 17° 30' S, 22° 30« W.
c. Ships moving between Montevideo and Freetown pass west of
70 S, 25° W.
The Naval Staff assumes nevertheless that some unescorted ships, as
for example, the ARABISTAN; still make reconnaissance runs through
the central part of the South Atlantic, while convoys continue to
sail on the direct course between Freetown and the Cape. Those war-
ship movements which have so far been discovered were primarily
connected with escort operations and reconnaissance along the con-
voy routes. Lack of information makes an estimate of ship move-
ments between the Cape and La Plata impossible at the present moment,
All vessels in foreign waters were informed about the foregoing
opinion as requested by ship "28" via Radiogram 2239.
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17 Aug. 1942
Further information about the enemy situation was sent out via
Radiograms 1817, 1951, 2101, and 2300.
The Naval Attache in Madrid has reported the positions of ships
in the blockade area and in the area bounded by 30° N, 30° W. (See
Telegram 1G30. )
II. Situation V/est Area
1. Enemy Situation ;
Air reconnaissance reports that in the morning 8 patrol
vessels and 8 destroyers were in Dover. In the afternoon 3 light
cruisers of the C class and 1 destroyer were sighted on a 20°
course 60 miles south of the Scilly Islands. Likewise in the
afternoon 3 steamers, 1 destroyer, and several patrol vessels were
proceeding on zigzag courses 30 miles east of Lizard Head.
Photographic reconnaissance showed 2 destroyers, 2 patrol vessels,
5 passenger ships, 10 steamers, some 200 barges, and 8 large tugs
in Southampton. About 70 barges were in Portsmouth at the same
time.
2. Own Situation ;
Atlantic Coast ;
Nothing to report.
Channel Coast ;
At 0018 the burning eneny ship fired upon by the batteries
"Grosser Kurfuerst" and M2 was sunk in quadrant AN 79.
Shortly before completing their mine mission in the Strait of Dover
the 10th and 12th Motor Mine Sweeper Flotillas had 'an engagement
with British PT boats, which, however, did not prevent them from
carrying out the operation according to plan. Prior to that, the
flotillas were under fire from the long-range battery from 2155 to
2210. Numerous hits and blazing fire were observed on an enemy
motor gunboat. At 2313 a detonation was heard at the southern end
of the recently laid minefield. 3 more detonations v.-ere heard later.
It may therefore be assumed that an enemy vessel struck a mine. Of
our vessels, the motor mine sweeper R "184" is missing. According
to radio intelligence, the vessel was sunk and some of the crew were
taken prisoner. (See Enemy Situation 16 Aug.) 3 vessels of the 10th
and 2 vessels of the 12th Motor Mine Sweeper Flotillas were hit.
Casualties are light. For details see Telegrams 1020, 1715, and
2355. Motor mine sweeper R "184" was lost track of mainly because of
the failure of the microwave equipment. It is very probable that
the enemy has discovered the new minefield.
The 5th PT Boat Flotilla has carried out the mine operation in
quadrants BF 2329 and.BF 2383 according to plan.
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CONFIDENTIAL
17 Aug. 1942
III. North .Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1.. North Sea :
Enemy Situation :
No noteworthy reports have been received.
Own Situation ;
No incidents were reported except for the fact that 2
ground mines were swept off Borkum and ScLierrnonnikoog.
2. Norway, Arctic Ocean :
Enemy Situation :
Radio intelligence reports that on the afternoon of 16
Aug. 1 vessel was at. sea in the Archangel area and on the after-
noon of 17 Aug. 2 British vessels were located in the same area.
4 Russian submarines are assumed to have been operating in the
area between Varanger Fjord and Tromsoe.
Air reconnaissance in the Arctic Ocean failed to yield any results
of tactical importance.
Own Situation :
Mine-sweeping and convoy operations in the area of the
Commanding Admiral, Norway proceeded without incidents.
In the Pechora Bay submarine U "200" sank 2 tugs and 2 lighters,
one of them with about 300 soldiers on board.
Operation "W under land" is proceeding according to plan. Submarine
U "601" is to meet the SCHEER at 78° N, 72° E after 0000 on 19 Aug.
The submarine is to radio a different rendezvous point if ice con-
ditions make a change necessary.
The Naval Staff hopes that it will not be necessary
to send a radio message because it miaht jeopardize
the whole operation. This possible development
should have been covered in th-e original orders.
The BV flying boat towed by submarine U "255" capsized and sank.
The crew was rescued.
With regard to the alleged location of convoy PQ, 18, the brief re-
port of submarine U "405" states that on 6 Aug. at 0035, 7 to 9
steamers were sighted from a distance of 500 to 600 meters, in
quadrant AA 8946 close to the ice boundary. The submarine was
forced to submerge because of an approaching escort vessel. Sounds
were heard by hydrophone, but after surfacing an hour later she
failed to sight anything in the thick fog despite a systematic
search. (See Telegram 1840.) Further information is required and
will be obtained by Group North.
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IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation ;
On 2 and 5 Aug. air reconnaissance spotted a total of 32
submarines in Kronstadt and Leningrad, as compared with 52 observed
on 24 Apr. The 20 missing submarines are either at sea or have
been sunk.
2. Own Situation :
In the night of 16 Aug. about 15 enemy vessels were
located in the Baltic Sea. It is assumed that mines were dropped
in the Baltic Sea entrances, between Sassnitz and Trelleborg, in
the area around Ruegen, as well as in the Pomnersche Bay and the
Gulf of Danzig. Night fighters shot down 2 planes.
At 0646 the steamer WURI of the Oslo-Aalborg convoy carrying about
1,000 men on leave sank v/ithin 30 minutes after hitting a mine
southeast of Halsbarre. Since the last enemy incursions over this
area the route was searched for ground mines 5 times, the last
time on 17 Aug. just before the convoy passed through it. The
point where the detonation occurred lies 450 meters v/est of the
route. Casualties are apparently light.
On 15 Aug. 3 enemy bombers and 7 fighters attacked a coastal
patrol boat in Ust'Luga in the Gulf of Finland.
Unescorted Russian vessels were sighted southeast of Tytersaari.
The vessels withdrew when fired on. Mine- sweeping and convoy
operations in" the area of the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic
Sea proceeded according to plan. A Finnish source reports that
11 enemy planes were shot down on 16 Aug. In the last 4 days
Finnish fighters alone destroyed 25 enemy planes.
On the basis of the Naval Staff's communication about the situa-
tion in the Gulf of Finland with regard to air operations (see
War Diary 16 Aug.), the Commander in Chief, Air has directed that,
beginning 18 Aug., the 1st Air Force, acting in direct accord
with Group North, shall employ the 1st Squadron of the 54th
Fighter Wing stationed in Finland for the protection of naval op-
erations in the Gulf of Finland. (See Telegram 2300.)
In the night of 14 Aug. an Italian subchasej? sank a Russian gun-
boat in Lake Ladoga north of Morya Bay.
V. Merchant Shipping
The unceasing efforts of the Naval Staff to induce the Swedes
to install degaussing gear on the ore steamers sailing to Rotter-
dam have so far produced only little or no effect. Only 6 vessels
of the Graengesberg Company have been equipped with degaussing
gear so far. According to a communication from the Foreign Office,
the Swedish Foreign Ministry has now made known that preparations
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17 Aug. 1942
have been under way for some time for demagnetizing ships. Whether
all Swedish ships will be equipped with degaussing gear will de-
pend on the outcome of the negotiations between Swedish experts
and Danish and German authorities in Copenhagen.
VI. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance was particularly active over the Bay
of Biscay. An inbound submarine v/as reported 195 miles southwest
of Brest. A number of submarine sighting reports were intercepted
from off the U.S. east coast and in the West Indies area.
2. Own Situation :
For operations of the submarines stationed in Norway see
Situation Arctic Ocean.
§
In the North Atlantic, the Commanding Admiral, Submarines is at-
tempting by means of dummy radio signals from 2 submarines to make
the enemy convoy steer a course which would bring it directly
within the reach of group "Loss". This attempt presupposes that
the enemy makes use of our submarine radio messages in directing
his convoys. The results of this experiment remain to be seen.
No successes were reported from the North Atlantic or from the
area off the American east coast.
•In the West Indies, submarine U "658" intercepted a convoy con-
sisting of 15 ships south of Windward Passage and sank 2 steamers
of 8,000 and 6,000 GRT in a surface attack. In addition, 1 cor-
vette, was probably hit by a torpedo. Submarine U "553" sank 2
steamers and 1 tanker totalling 22,000 GRT from the same convoy.
On 15 Aug. submarine U "598" probably sank a tanker of the SAN
MELIT0 class west of Windward Passage. The Commanding Admiral,
Submarines estimates her tonnage at 8,000 GRT.
After a prolonged chase submarine U "108" succeeded in sinking
the gasoline tanker LOUISIANA (8,587 GRT) in the area north of
Cayenne.
The submarines in the South Atlantic also reported a number of
successes for today. Submarine U "566" sank the Norwegian steamer
TRITON (6,710 GRT) and a 5,000 GRT steamer from a northbound con-
voy of 14 steamers and 6 destroyers in a daylight attack. The
operation against this convoy is being continued.
On 15 and 17 Aug. submarine U "507" operating near the Brazilian
coast with the authorization of the Commanding Admiral, Submarines,
sank 2 passenger steamers of 6,000 and 5,000 GRT and a 3,500 GRT
steamer, as well as 2 steamers of 2,200 and 3,000 GRT, off Bahia
and north of there. The submarine had special instructions- not
to enter territorial waters. Otherwise the sinking of Brazilian
merchant vessels is in accord with the prevailing regulations.
There is no doubt that these sinkings which un-
questionably affect also Brazilian vessels will
lead to a further deterioration in relations be-
tween. Germany and Brazil.
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17 Aug. 1942
In the western Mediterranean, submarines U "SSI" and U "73" are
again being sent into action in quadrant CJ 9178 and 9155 re-
spectively. In the eastern Mediterranean, submarine U "83" re-
ported sinking an auxiliary cruiser of about 12,000 GRT from a
fleet task force, ^he submarine requires immediate help since
she is unable to submerge.
Together with the above auxiliary cruiser, the total tonnage re-
ported sunk today amounts to 95,997 GRT, without counting the
tugs and lighters in the Arctic Ocean. In this connection, it
should be mentioned that as it happens the majority of the sub-
marines operating in the Atlantic Ocean did not contribute a
single sinking.
For details see supplement to the submarine situation in War
Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
VII. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity ;
On the night of 16 Aug. our planes attacked localities
on the southern coast of England with observed effect. During
the day fighter bombers attacked Swanage and Coworack. In the
night of 17 Aug. a few of our planes attacked targets in England.
On the same night 100 enemy planes flew over the northwestern
part of the Reich but did not concentrate on any specific point.
During the afternoon enemy planes were active over western France.
Bombs were dropped in the Rouen area,
2 . Mediterranean Theater :
The present lack of adequate fighter protection makes
it very difficult to fight the enemy air forces and to protect
the convoys with the available forces. The Air Commander,
Africa carried out reconnaissance and fighter operations, as well
as fighter-bomber attacks against concentrations of motor vehicles
on the central sector of the front.
3. Eastern Front ;
Reconnaissance flights were carried out over the Black
Sea. No other reports have been received.
VIII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
The ARGUS left dock in Gibraltar on 16 Aug. Located in
the harbor were 1 vessel of the ILLUSTRIOUS class, the ARGUS, the
NELSON, 2 vessels of the FIJI class, one of them in dock, 3 de-
stroyers, 1 auxiliary cruiser, at least 5 submarines, 28 steamers,
and 9 tankers.
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17 Aug. 1942
According to an intelligence report from Spain of 16 Aug., the
FURIOUS is -said to have taken aboard 35 Hurricanes during the
night. It is rumored that the aircraft carrier departed toward
the east.
According to a report by a French pilot, 1 battleship, 1 aircraft
carrier, and 5 to 8 unidentified vessels were proceeding 40 miles
north_ of Algiers at 0900 on 17 Aug. The German Naval Command,
Italy reports that it is not yet possible to see how the situa-
tion is going to develop. For the time being it is assumed that
the carrier is transporting planes to Malta. According to •
another French report, an escort force of smaller vessels joined
the aircraft carrier at the previously mentioned position; in
addition to the battleship, 7 destroyers were reported, the entire
force heading east.
Photographic reconnaissance carried out over Valletta at noon
showed no change in the total of 2 destroyers, 3 submarines, 2
mine sweepers, 3 corvettes, 4 steamers, and 1 large tanker in that
harbor. Radio intelligence observed lively submarine and air
activity. At noon messages about submarine operations were in-
tercepted from the Malta and Alexandria areas.
Submarine sighting reports were issued off the eastern coast of
Sardinia and southwest of Navarino.
The Armistice Commission, France has transmitted a French report
about statements by .survivors from British ships, according to
which their convoy consisted of 12 merchant vessels, including
at least 1 tanker. Each vessel was loaded with gasoline, petro-
leum, edible oil, ammunition, soap, and food. When asked by the
German Armistice Commission, France whether the number of steamers
in the convoy was not rather 21, the French source repeated that
the prisoners spoke of 12 steamers. It remains to be seen how
correct this statement is. Further statements assert that there
was no American aircraft carrier in the convoy. On the other
hand, a U.S. light vessel is said to have participated in the
night battle of Kelibia. The British cruiser KENYA also took part
in that battle.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean ;
An Italian submarine which has returned to base reports
that on the morning of 14 Aug. she fired 5 torpedoes on 2 cruisers
35 miles northeast of Algiers. 2 torpedoes were definitely heard
exploding. One of the Italian PT boats which ran aground on the
Tunisian coast on 15 Aug. is again afloat and has entered Trapani.
In view of the present > enemy situation in the western Mediter-
ranean, our departing submarines have turned back (see Submarine
Warfare). In anticipation of further events, a PT boat operation
is being prepared for the night of 18 Aug. On 14 Aug. enemy
planes attacked Tobruk without causing damage to harbor or naval
installations. On the night of 16 Aug. enemy planes again dropped
mines in the harbor of Marsa Matruh.
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17 Aug. 1942
The Italian submarines were recalled from the operations area,
evidently even before the enemy reports from the western Medit-
erranean were made known.
For our submarine success in the eastern Mediterranean see Sub-
marine Warfare.
The Naval Staff has ordered the German Naval Command, Italy to.
transmit immediately and regularly all incoming information on
the courses steered by the last Mediterranean convoy, particular-
ly in the area between Cape Bon and Malta. The Naval Staff is
also very anxious to receive promptly all the available prisoner
statements, particularly about the aforementioned courses, the
names, ports of departure, cargoes and destination of the steamers,
any special orders, orders to the escort forces, references to
the difficulty of the operation, and the like. Furthermore, it
is not clear whether the convoy was escorted by 3 or by 2 battle-
ships. The German Naval Command, Italy is requested to transmit
its interpretation of photographs to the Naval Staff. (See Tele-
gram 1818. )
It is to be hoped that this information will
yield a clear picture of the actual assignment
of the convoy.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa :
On 16 Aug. an enemy submarine fired on and badly damaged
an auxiliary sailing vessel off the eastern coast of Sardinia.
On 17 Aug. enemy torpedo planes set afire the escort vessel PILO
50 miles south of Pantelleria. A destroyer was slightly damaged
and suffered considerable casualties.
In the afternoon an enemy submarine torpedoed the motor ship
BIXIO 12 miles- southwest of Navarino. Attempts are being made
to bring her in to Navarino. Other convoys proceeded as scheduled.
17,276 tons were unloaded in Tripoli in July, 17,518 tons, includ-
ing 7,814 - tons of German cargo, were loaded on coastal vessels in
that harbor. This shows that all the incoming supplies were sent
on to the front.
In Tobruk 530 tons were unloaded on 15 Aug. and 680 tons on 16 Aug.
517 tons were unloaded in Marsa Matruh on 16 Aug.
4, Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea ;
No incidents were reported.
Black Sea ;
Enemy Situation :
In the area between Sochi, Sukhum, and Poti air recon-
naissance sighted 2 tankers .under escort on a southeasterly course
and the cruiser KOMINTERN heading for Poti. Some 50 patrol ves-
sels were located in the canal north of Temryuk. Lively ship
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17 Aug. 1942
traffic was observed between Tuapse and Sukhum. 7 steamers, 4
patrol vessels, 1 PT boat, and 2 destroyers were en route to the
southeast, while 1 steamer and 1 tug were proceeding northward.
According to photographic reconnaissance, 1 tanker, 6 steamers,
and several small vessels were in Sukhum.
The Communications Intelligence Officer, Black Sea at Group South
has compiled a supplementary list of war and merchant ships in the
Caspian Sea on the basis of prisoner statements. For copy see
l/Skl 28058 geh. in War Diary, Part C, Vol. XlVa.
Own Situation :
According to a communication from the German Embassy in
Ankara of 15 Aug., the report that 15 Russian vessels have en-
tered a Turkish port has not been confirmed.
Enemy submarines unsuccessfully attacked the tug FORSCK south of
Tuzla on 16 Aug. and the ROMULUS south of Odessa on 17 Aug. PT
boats remained inactive because of bad weather.
On 16 Aug. an Air Force Siebel ferry struck a mine off Mariupol.
The ferry has a leak aft. For the time being, no iron ore trans-
ports are allowed to enter or leave Mariupol. Convoy operations
proceeded as planned.
5. Special Items :
(1) After an investigation, Group South reports that the
Army's accusations concerning transport operations in the Sea of
Azov are incorrect, since there are no Army ferries at all In the
Taganrog area; Army Group A has tied up all such vessels for opera-
tion "Bluecher".
The Group reports further that on 1 Aug. the route to Taganrog was
searched for mines on the same day that the first sea transport
got under way. Due to the enemy situation, the route from Tagan-
rog to Azov could not be swept before 4 Aug. together with the
first transport on this route. (See Telegram 2015.)
This shows that the rumors derogatory to the
Navy are completely without foundation. The Na-
val Liaison Officer to the Army High Command
has been informed to this effect.
(2) Via Telegram 1951 the Naval Staff Quartermaster
Division sends Group South the requested information on the suit-
ability of the small coastal mine-laying craft for the assignments
in question (see War Diary 51 Jul.).
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17 Aug. 1942
IX, Situation East Asia
No reports of interest have been received.
X. Army Situation
1. Russian Front ;
Army Group A ;
The Rumanian III Army Corps is engaged in a fight with
strong Russian rear guards north of the Kuban River southwest of
Slavyansk. Krimskaya and Abenskaya were captured. South of
Krasnodar the enemy continues to offer stiff resistance. Our ad-
vance detachments are engaged in bitter fighting north of the
Klukhor Pass. The outflanking maneuver aimed at opening the pass
is in progress. The forces advancing on the Elbrus Mountain are
now south of the mountain at the Bashi Pass. Advance units of the
III Army Corps are south of Elista.
Army Group B :
The right wing of the 4th Panzer Army has pushed west-
ward and has encircled enemy forces at the Abganerovo railroad
station. Our forces succeeded in widening the bridgehead on the
Don River northwest of Stalingrad and in holding it against enemy
attacks. The enemy brought up new forces south of Krimskaya. Near
Serafimovich, the enemy continues his attempts to reach the
southern bank of the Don River. Enemy attacks near the mouth of
the Khoper River and west of Svoboda were repulsed. Fighting in
the Voronezh area continues. Southeast of Yelets the enemy is
trying to widen his penetration in westerly direction.
Central Army Group ;
The operation in the Sukhinichi area is making slow pro-
gress due to stubborn enemy resistance and difficult terrain.
Weather conditions do not permit our air support to be fully
effective. Some of the enemy forces have launched a count eroffen-
sive.
All enemy attacks east of Vyazma were repulsed. Enemy attacks in
the breach near Rzhev continue. Losses are running high on both
s id e s .
Northern Army Group ;
Fighting is going on north of Demyansk and north and
south of the land bridge leading to the II Army Corps, as well as
near Soltsy. Enemy troops succeeded in penetrating the lines of
the SS Police Division southeast of Leningrad.
2. Finnish Front ;
The enemy continues to dig in in front of the 20th Army.
An increased number of supply transports were observed arriving at
the Rybachi Peninsula.
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17 Aug. 1942
3. North Africa :
• No incidents were reported.
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18 Aug. 1942
.—
Items of Political Importance
In connection with the Moscow conferences it should be mentioned
that, according to a statement by Harriman, President Roosevelt
will endorse any decision made by Churchill in Moscow.
U . £? . o . f\. «
- *
The Tass Agency brings an interesting official communique accord-
ing to which Molotov has been appointed the first of the 13 deputy
chairmen of the Council of the People's Comraissar6, with the pur-
pose of easing the burden on Stalin.
It remains to be seen whether this is purely an
organizational formality or not.
U.S.A. ;
Secretary of State Hull told the French Ambassador that the U.S.A.
cannot maintain friendly relations with the Laval government
because Laval has publicly declared that he favors a German victory.
The proposed law requiring war service in industry, designed to
solve the labor problem, is another indication that the democratic
U.S. is resorting to totalitarian methods.
Brazil :
An official report from Rio de Janeiro states that Axis submarines
sank 3 Brazilian ships within the last three days. The steamers
in question are the BAYPANDI , the ARARAQUARA, and the ANIBAL
BENEVOLO. The BAYPANDI is said to have been en route to northern
Brazil with 800 soldiers on board. The Ministry of the Navy has
decided to employ all Brazilian warships for the protection of
coastal shipping.
Conference on the Situation with the Chief. Naval Staff
I. Report by the Chief. Naval Staff Communications Division :
It is not assumed that the loss of motor mine sweeper R "184"
will result in a disclosure of our codes because, as reported by
radio intelligence, nobody was able to board the burning vessel.
A further report deals with plans to install additional radar sets
in the area between Pantelleria and Sicily and, if necessary, on
the coast of French Africa.
II. Report by the Chief. Naval Ordnance Division :
1. It is proposed to investigate whether the 28 cm. turrets
of the GNEISENAU should not be installed in the west area rather
than in Norway. The preparations made in Norway are such that
they could be utilized for other turrets just as well.
2. Since it has definitely been decided to convert the
SEYDLITZ, it is necessary to investigate whether and how the 4
turrets of this ship should be distributed.
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18 Aug. 1942
3. The Fuehrer's order to hand over for use in western
fortifications all armor plating and barbettes not immediately
needed by the Navy, thus abandoning the battleship model 41, will
make the advance work done by Krupp on the gun turrets and barrels
completely useless, although this work would otherwise have per-
mitted completion of 4 instead of 2 such ships 5 years after the
keel 8 were laid. It must be kept in mind that the planned large
expansion of the Krupp Company, necessary for the development of
our fleet, cannot be started before the end of the war. However,
on the capacity of Krupp depends how much armament can be produced
in the 60 months needed to build each ship. Consequently, every
month which was utilized for producing the necessary armament
represented a gain with regard to the number of ships constructed
simultaneously. The Chief, Naval Ordnance Division suggests that
these conclusions be presented to the Fuehrer.
III. The Deputy Chief, Naval Staff Quartermaster Division submits
the following schedule for ships entering shipyard:
TIRPITZ: From end of October till January.
LUETZOW: Till second half of October in Kiel. (Only structural
repairs will be made, since no preparations have been
made for engine repairs, and the necessary Diesel
electric units are not available in any case.)
SCHEER: 6 weeks in Wilhelmshaven, starting immediately on ar-
rival.
KOELN: No shipyard capacity is available for the necessary
replacement of cables.
LEIPZIG: Mid-October to December. This will include instal-
lation of degaussing equipment which cannot be installed
on the EMDEN because the capacity of the Wilhelmshaven
shipyard originally set aside for this purpose will be
used up by the SCHEER.
NUERNBERG: Has just left the shipyard. Is assigned to training
duty until the end of October.
EMDEN: To leave the shipyard by 1 Oct. Thereupon training \
assignment. x
In a Very Restricted Circle!
IV. Report by the Chief. Operations Branch. Naval Staff Operations
Division :
1. Report on American press and radio accounts about the
searoh for the German raider in the South Atlantic and on measures
taken by our ships "23" and "28".
2. The Air Force Operations Staff has transmitted the fol-
lowing answer to the Naval Staff's request for allocation of planes
to the Air Commander, Atlantic Coast for operations against enemy
planes in the Bay of Biscay:
"In view of the present air situation in the Bay of Biscay, whioh
is known to be oritical and which exposes our submarines and
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18 Aug. 194 2
blockaie-runners to grave danger, the Commander in Chief, Air Force
has reinforced a unit stationed on the Bay of Biscay coast with
suitable planes. In addition, a long-range fighter group is being
organized for the sole purpose of protecting our vessels in the Bay
of Biscay.
"The Naval Staff is requested to ask Group West to ooerate in
direct cooperation with the 3rd Air Force Command as regards convoy
protection in the Bay of Biscay."
Group ,r est and the Commanding Admiral, Submarines have been notified
accordingly.
3. Report on the weather observation operation "Holzauge"
as recorded in War Diary of 3 Aug.
Weather expedition "Knospe" is to be picked uo sometime after 20
Aug. The Commander in Chief, Air Force is unable to keep his
promise to send a plane for this purpose; Group North plans to
use a submarine instead,
4. On 16 Aug. the 'German General at the Italian Armed Forces
Headquarters transmitted to the Armed Forces High Command and the
Army High Command a report giving the following estimate of the
situation and of the condition of the African Panzer Army as of
15 Aug. :
Our situation, which continued critical until the early days of
August, has eased. As far as personnel and materiel are concerned,
the condition of the African Panzer Army has considerably improved,
and its morale is high.
The enemy must be expected to bring up substantial reinforcements
to the front toward the end of August. In addition, another large
contingent of reinforcements, for which the enemy will undoubtedly
wait before launching his offensive, must be expected to arrive
toward the middle of September. Until the end of August the Germans
and Italians will have a certain superiority in tanks, as well as
in heavy artillery. Up to that time, we will 6till have a fair
chance of breaking through on the southern wing of the front. For
this reason, Rommel and the Commanding General, Armed Forces, South
consider the time around 26 Aug., "'hen the phase of the moon offers
the best chances, as most propitious for an attack. A postponement
would greatly reduoe our chances (on account of the enemy's superi-
ority in the air) and the Axis forces "/ould have to wait another 4
weeks for a full moon.
Situation 18 Aug. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
South Atlantic :
According to an intelligence report, American troop
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18 Aug. 1942
transports are being shipped to Africa via Charleston and New
Orleans along the coast of Central and South America to Natal and
from there to Gabon. A convoy of 5 to 6 transports is reoorted to
leave every week.
The Naval Attache in Buenos Aires reports that on 10 Aug. the QUEEK
ELIZABETH departed from Rio de Janeiro in northerly direction.
In spite of or as a result of the continuing lively discussion in
the press about the chase after the German raider in the South
Atlantic, official circles in Rio de Janeiro doubt that such a raid'
exists and .consider the story a fabrication of Axis propaganda.
The submarine warning issued on 17 Aug. for the area west of the
Congo estuary was cancelled.
According to a -message from Simonstown, on 16 Aug. an unidentified
steamer reported a mine in the 100-fathom zone in a swept channel,
presumably off Cape Town.
Indian Ocean :
Japanese planes again attacked 2 British steamers in
the Bay of Bengal.
2. Own Situation :
Via Radiogram 2130 ship "10" is beine informed that the
TANNENFELS will arrive at point "Kupfer-B" around 28 Aug. and that
she will be able to take aboard the prisoners from ship "10".
After taking over the supplies, ship "10" is directed to release
the TANNENFELS for her voyage home.
Via Radiogram 1536 all vessels in foreign waters are being informed
of the operations against the enemy convoy in the western Mediter-
ranean.
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation :
No noteworthy reports have been received.
2. Own Situation :
Atlantic Coast :
On 17 Aug. the blockade-runner WESERLAND departed as
planned. Group West is in command. The fair weather with good
visibility is unfavorable for a sucoe.ssful departure. At 1230 an
enemy plane circled over the WESERLAND in quadrant BF 8684 causing
her to steer back toward the east along the Spanish coast. Group
West has ordered the ship to turn back again, if the enemy no longer
maintains contact, and to try to break through once more within or
along the borders of the Spanish territorial waters. In any event,
forces of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, West are posted in the
St. Jean-de-Luz area, ready to bring her in, and the Air Commander,
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18 Aug. 1942
Atlantic Coast has been asked to make an inspection flight over
the Spanish territorial waters, if possible, and to reoort position
and. course of the Bhip upon landing. Group West ordered the
UCKERIJARK to depart for the second time on 18 Aug.
Channel Coast :
From 0048 to 0158 the British battery at St. Margaret at
"Cliff f fired 26 rounds at our coast without scoring a hit. The
4th PT Boat Flotilla gave up its mine operation in the night of
17 Aug. because of fog. For brief report see Telegram 0815.
At 0230 the 18th Patrol Vessel Flotilla had an engagement with
enemy motor gun boats. 1 enemy vessel was definitely sunk and
one was probably sunk, while several others were set on fire. For
brief report see Telegram 1300.
Patrol vessel "406" sank in quadrant BF 9349 as a result of a mine
hit.
III. North Sen, Mnrwav, Am tin On Ran
1. North Sea :
- Enemy Situation :
Lively reconnaissance activity was reoorted over the
entire North Sea area.
Own Situation :
During the day enemy planes made isolated reconnaissance
flights over the northwestern coast of Germany. Our fighters
failed to make contact with the enemy. Convoy and patrol opera-
tions in the area of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, North pro-
ceeded according to plan without incidents.
The Commanding Aimiral, Defenses, North and the XII Air Corps have
agreed upon the organization of night-fighter action against mine-
laying enemy planes in the North Sea area. A similar arrangement
exists in the area of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, Baltio
Sea. For details see Telegram 1135.
The Naval Staff has no objections.
2. Norway., Arctic Ocean :
Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance reported 1 battleship of the KING
GEORGE V class, 2 heavy cruisers, 1 light U.S. cruiser, 2 destroy-
ers, 4 tankers, and 8 steamers in the Hval Fjord. 2 large pas-
senger shiDS, 1 tanker, 13 steamers, 1 U.S. destroyer, and other
vessels were observed in the roadstead of Reykjavik.
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CONFIDENTIAL
18 Aug. 1942
Own Situation :
Mine-sweeping and convoy operations in the area of the
Commanding Admiral, Norway proceeded according to plan without in-
cident. On 17 Aug. an enemy submarine which had been sighted in
quadrant AC 8425 was chased without success. A German convoy
anchored temporarily in the Bas Fjord because of the submarine
menace. Destroyer Z "23" departed from Trondheim in northerly
direction.
Operation "Wunderland" :
3 destroyers of the 5th Destroyer Flotilla entered Tromsoe
where they remain ready to be sent into action on 3 hours notice.
The Admiral, Arctic Ocean ordered submarine U "456" to deliver am-
munition to submarine U "209" in quadrant AT 7125 on 19 Aug. at
1200. Prior to that, submarine U "456" is to reconnoiter the coasts
north of 710 40 1 N, while submarine U "209" will do so south of
that latitude. Submarine U "456" has been ordered to report com-
pletion of the assignment by short signal, whereupon the 2 sub-
marines will return to their previous areas of operations.
The. Naval Staff would have preferred complete
radio silence.
Otherwise there 'was nothing to report.
TV. SkagarraV, Raltin Srs TTnt.Tannfts, Raltin Sf»a
1. Enemy Situation :
No incidents were reported.
2. Own Situation :
Final losses from the steamer WURI have not yet been
determined.
Weather conditions hampered mine-sweeping operations in the area
of the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea. Convoy operations
proceeded as scheduled.
2 of our mine sweepers drove an enemy submarine which had been
spotted by a reconnaissance plane into the minefield "Seeigel 19".
An explosion was observed 3 miles northwest of Tytersaari.
In order to speed up preparations for. the 6th PT Boat Flotilla
operations in the Baltic Sea, the Naval Staff has ordered the Com-
mander, PT Boats to dispatch an officer suited for this task to
Group North. Basically the Naval Staff upholds its intention to
employ the 6th PT Boat Flotilla in the west area. Its temporary
assignment to the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea for use in
the Gulf of Finland will only be ordered if the situation does not
permit any other course. A directive is therefore issued to Group
North, the Fleet, and the Commander, PT Boats, with copies to
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18 Aug. 1942
Group West and to the Commander, Mine SweeperB, Baltic Sea, re-
questing that the preparations for operations of the 6th PT Boat
Flotilla in the west area rece ive' priority , while the Baltic Sea
assignment of the flotilla is to be prepared only as far as it
does not interfere with the preparations in the west area. (See
Telegram 1717.)
The Chief of the Naval Liaison Staff, Finland reports that at his
request the Finnish Commander in Chief, Navy promised to take ap-
propriate steps for obtaining from Marshal Mannerheim the release
of the small coastal mine-laying craft and Italian subchasers from-
Lake Ladoga.
V. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation :
Reconnaissance activity in the Bay of Biscay was very
lively. One plane reported that it attacked and allegedly badly
damaged a submerging submarine 250 miles southwest of Vigo.
Reports of submarine attacks were intercepted from southwest of
Santiago, southwest of the Mississippi estuary, off Curacao, and
southeast of Bahia. An unknown steamer, the WEST FELMAR, was
torpedoed west of Trinidad.
2. Own Situation :
No reports of importance were received from the North
Atlantic. Submarine U "553" re-established contact with the oonvoy
west of Windward Passage. The convoy was reported to consist of
20 steamers, with 2 destroyers preceding and 2 corvettes following.
The submarine sank 2 steamers from this convoy, totalling 11,000
GRT, and torpedoed another steamer of 5,000 GRT. The operation
is being continued.
Submarine U "508" located a westbound convoy consisting of 20 ves-
sels in the western entrance to the Florida Strait. During the
attack the submarine heard 2 hits.
Contact with the convoy west of the Azores was maintained until
midnight. In the attack made during the day, submarine U "214"
sank 4 steamers totalling 20,000 GRT from this convoy. A freight-
carrying sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean. In ad-
dition to 2 submarines and planes, destroyer ZG "3" was also sent
to escort submarine U "83" which is unable to submerge. For de-
tails see Supplement to the Submarine Situation in War Diary, Part
B, Vol. IV.
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18 Aug. 1942
VT. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity :
Reconnaissance flights were carried out over the area
off the British Isles during the day. At night small numbers of
our planes attacked Norwich. On the night of 18 Aug. some 100
enemy planes penetrated into the eastern part of the Reich ter-
ritory. Bombs were dropped on Danzig. It is to be assumed that
mines were dropped in the Baltic Sea entrances, the Kiel Bay, and
in the German Bight.
2. Mediterranean Theater ;
Radio intelligence reports that the transport of fighter
planes to Malta has been completed. Reconnaissance operations
against the enemy forces, reported on 17 Aug., failed to yield any
results. Otherwise there is nothing to report.
3. Eastern Front :
Reconnaissance flights were made over the Black Sea, the
Caspian Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. 71 enemy planes were reported
shot down 'on the eastern front of the Army.
4. Special Items ;
a. For information about mine-sweeping plane production
and the planned distribution of the new planes see l/Skl I op
20321/42 Gkdos. in War Diary, Part C, Vol. V.
b. Mine-sweeping planes under the operational command
of. Group North have been assigned as follows: 3 to the Commanding
Admiral, Defenses, North; 3 to the Commanding Admiral, Defenses,
Baltic Sea; 3 to the Naval Station, Baltio; 1 (later 3) to the
Commanding Admiral, Norway.
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation. Mediterranean :
Upon completion of the transport of planes to Malta the
aircraft carrier FURIOUS, 1 cruiser of the DIDO class, 10 destroyers,
and 2 oorvettes re-entered Gibraltar from the east in the morning.
The ILLUSTRIOUS entered dock on 18 Aug. The RODNEY and another air-
craft carrier of the ILLUSTRIOUS class have not been observed in
Gibraltar since 16 Aug. They are presumed to have departed in
westerly direction.
In the eastern Mediterranean, Italian air reconnaissance reported
in the morning that a cruiser and a destroyer were proceeding on
a southerly course 75 miles west of Haifa.
2. Own Situation. Mediterranean : ,.
In the night of 17 Aug. enemy planes made major attacks
on Tobruk and Marsa Matruh. No damage was reported. Otherwise
there was nothing to report.
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18 Aug. 1942
CONFIDENTIAL
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa ;
The motor ship BIXIO has been brought into Navarino. She
has 3,200 war prisoners on board.
In the night of 17 Aug. enemy planes sank the motor ship PILO
(6,836 GRT) en route to Tripoli 45 miles south of Pantelleria.
Enemy reconnaissance planes located and repeatedly attacked the
convoy of the GITTA DI ALESSANDRIA en route from Suda to Tobruk.
In view of the heavy steamer losses sustained during the last few
days, the scarce Italian naval and air escort forces available are
at present being used for one convoy at a time. This will in-
evitably lead to a serious delay in the transport of supplies.
4. Area Naval Group South ;
Aegean Sea :
was sent to render aid to submarine
in the Aegean Sea proceeded aocording
Destroyer ZG "3"
U "83". Convoy operations
to plan wi-thout incident.
Black Sea :
Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance reported 1 battleship, 2 heavy cruisers
(l damaged), 5 destroyers (2 in dock), 11 steamers, 2 tankers, and
25 small vessels in Poti . 1 heavy cruiser under cover, 1 destroyer,
2 tankers, and 4 steamers were spotted in Batum. Observation was
inoomplete. No warships were sighted in the Caspian Sea harbors
or on the Volga River. The 4th Air Force assumes that the enemy
troops are embarking in Tuapse at night.
Own Situation :
«
Bad weather during the night of 16 Aug. dispersed the
landing craft group proceeding from Constanta to the Crimea. 1
barge returned to the port of departure; 3 barges entered Crimean
ports. No report has as yet been received about the remaining 2
vessels.
The Italian submarines CB "2" and CB "6", which left Constanta on
17 Aug., were likewise forced to return because of bad weather.
The prevailing weather conditions prevented the feint landing on
the southern coast of the Taman Peninsula scheduled to take place
on the night of 17 Aug. as part of operation "Bluecher II".
Convoy operations proceeded as planned,
5. Special Items :
a. The Army Quartermaster General reported to the
Fuehrer on the question of employing steamers for the transport
of supplies in the eastern part of the Black Sea. The Fuehrer
agrees with the position of Group South that the steamers should
not proceed beyond Feodosiya for the time being since, in hie
opinion, steamer losses in the Black Sea must be avoided.
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18 Aug. 1942
The Naval Staff informed Group South, the Naval Liaison Officer
to the Army High Command, and the Naval Liaison Officer to the
Air Force Operations Staff to this effect via Telegram 1717.
b. For suggestions made by Group South with reference
to the installation of a new weather station in the Caspian Sea
and a radio mast in Sevastopol see Telegrams 1730 and 1955.
The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division will take care of the matter
VIII. Situation East Asia
No noteworthy reports have been received.
IX. Arm v Situation
1, Russian Front ;
Army Group A ;
The V and XLIV Army Corps of the Ruoff Army Gro.up are
engaged in heavy fighting on the northern slopes of the Caucasus
Mountains. The Rumanian 3rd Army succeeded in extending its ad-
vance bridgeheads north of the Kuban River in westerly direction.
Numerous enemy forces are still holding their positions in the
industrial district of Maikop. Detachments of the XLIX Mountain
Corps have reached the high-mountain ridge. The Klukhor Pass has
been taken.
The enemy is covering the retreat of his major forces toward the
east and southeast in front of the 1st Panzer Army with strong rear
guards and superior air power. The 23rd Panzer Division started
the bridge construction west of Maisky and is again under heavy
attack by enemy planes. The remaining forces of Army Group A are
advancing as planned in southeasterly direction, encountering only
slight enemy resistance in some places.
Armv Group B :
The 24th Panzer Division took over the protection of the
4th Panzer Army flank west of the chain of lakes stretching south
of Tsatsar. Enemy tank attacks against the Don bridgehead north-
west of Stalingrad were unsuccessful. Southeast of Kremenskaya,
enemy troops crossed the Don River and broke through our weak
defenses. The 22nd Panzer Division is being sent into action.
Enemy attempts to cross the river in the area of the 8th Italian
Array were prevented. This was the first day in a long time that
everything was quiet in the Voronezh area and south of Yelets.
Central Army Group ;
The operation in the Sukhinichi area came virtually to
a standstill before the strongly fortified enemy position near
Zhizdra. Enemy attacks east of Vyazma, south of the Vyazma -Moscow
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CONFIDENTIAL
18 Aug. 1942
highway, east of Gzhatsk, and in the area east of Sychevka were
repulsed. Heavy enemy attacks '-carried out with tank support north
of Rzhev also failed. The enemy suffered considerable losses.
Northern Army Group :
Enemy attacks on the Demyansk front, southeast of Staraya
Russa, south of the land bridge leading to the II Army Corps, and
near Soltsy were repulsed. Our thrust southeast of Leningrad was
stalled by artillery fire.
2. Finnish Front :
No incidents were reported.
3. North Africa :
No noteworthy reports have been received.
******** ****** ***********
_ooo_
CONFIDENTIAL
19 Aug. 19)42
Items .o f Politic al I mportance
The conferences between Churchill and Stalin in Moscow are being
followed closely in Gre.-t Britain and the neutral countries.
Lacking any detailed information about the decisions made during
these conferences, the newspapers are indulging in lively specu-
lation, particularly on the subject of the second front, in view
'of the presence in Moscow of military advisers.
It is obvious that the Chungking Government was not represented
at the Moscow conference, since care was taken to eliminate any
discussion of Japan.
Changes in command were made in North Africa immediately follow-
ing Cnurchill's stay at Cairo. Auchinleck was replaced by
General Alexander as Commander in Chief in the_ Middle East. Gen-
eral Montgomery succeeded General Ritchie as Commanding General
of the 8th Army. It remains to be seen what task will be assigne-
to Auchinleck. He may have been released for some special task
in connection with the Moscow decisions. (Caucasus Army? 1)
Great Britain :
Axis propaganda presents the landing of British and Canadian
troops at Dieppe, which was carried out this morning, as an act
of desperation prompted by the Moscow decisions, or rather by
Stalin's demand. A British broadcast called on the French
people .to abstain from any action that might jeopardize their
safety. The day on which the French people will be asked to
take action has not yet arrived.
Discussions of the Anglo-American air offensive against Germany
in the Sunday Times and the New York Times indicate that, in the
opinion of the British, American bombers and their crews have so
far failed to live up to the high hopes placed in them. For
details see political Review No. I93 , Paragraph 2.
India :
Neutral as well as American press reports reveal that the Allies
are continuing their efforts to bring about a compromise agree-
ment between Great Britain and the Congress Party, "in order to
ensure India's full cooperation for the Allied cause". For de-
tails see Political Review No. 193> Paragraph 3.
U.S.S.R. :
A Polish diplomat in Moscow asserted that a separate peace be-
tween Germany and Russia is out of the question. The Moscow
conference merely served the purpose of' establishing whether
Russia can hold out until winter. The Russians did not present
an ultimatum to Britain. Although the Russian people feel dis-
appointed by the British, there is no deep resentment- Otherwise,
however, the Russians continue to be as reticent as usual and do
not allow anybody insight into their real situation. Their main
line of defense has been shifted to the Caucasus s but they are
firmly determined to hold Stalingrad at all cost.
Chile ;
The visit of President RIos to the U.S.A. on Roosevelt's invitation
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19 Aug. 19^2
has been set for the autumn, chiefly in order to gain time
in case the situation develops in favor of the Axis,
Brazil: i %
— — — — »»
According to an official report, Axis submarines sank 5 Brazilian
vessels plying between ^Brazilian harbors on 16 and 17 Aug. President
Vargas denounced the** sinkings a# piracy and announced that Axis
ships and the property of Axis citizens will be confiscated in
retaliation.
Japan :
The Cabinet decision adopting a J>0% cut in government personnel
amounts to a reduction in force of some 125,000 employees,
20,000 of whom will be incorporated in the military administration
In the conquered territories,
Sweden :
On 18 Aug. a Russian submarine sank the steamer LILJEVALCH (8,770
GRT) in the Swedish territorial waters off Vaestervlk. The ship
was proceeding in an escorted convoy.
Spain :
According to a Vichy 'Telegraphic Service (Ofi) report, an attempt
was made on the life of War Minister Varela, allegedly killing
200 persons. The Minister is unhurt.
This incident throws a revealing light on the
domestic situation in SpainI
Conference on the Situation with the Chief, Naval Staff
I. ' The Chief, Naval Staff Communications Division reports tnat
our radio intelligence service has intercepted U.S. radio call
names, possibly of submarines, in the Mediterranean.
II. The Deputy Chief, Naval Staff Quar-termaster Division dis-
cusses the demands for the defense of the west area against
enemy landings, raised as a result of the Inspection tour of
the Commander in Chief, Navy In France (see War Diary 8 Aug.).
The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division has examined all the
Issues pertaining to its authority, and has clarified the sit-
uation to such an extent that the matter can be considered
settled. A few unsettled questions (such as alleged lack of
personnel for the i^th gun of the Briere battery and alleged
shortage of ammunition at the Mirus battery are still under in-
vestigation.
III. On the basis of a report by the Chief of Staff, Naval Staff,
the Commander in Chief, Navy has ordered that the special com-
mand unit of the staff of the Commanding Admiral, Group South
be dlssolved^since conditions which existed when it was established
no longer prevail and the present stricter regulations do not
permit leaving it with the Group.
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CONFIDENTIAL
19 Aug. 19i42
IV. The Chief of Staff, Naval Staff reports on the German Admiral,
Tokyo. It Is self-evident that the posts of the German Admiral
and that of the Naval Attache, Tokyo must be occupied by two differ-
ent persons if the emancipation from the communication channels of
the Foreign Office, which the Navy intends to achieve by the crea-
tion of this new office and which the Armed Forces High Command
also desires for the Armed Forces as a whole, is to become a fact.
Such independence from the Foreign Office communication channels
has become absolutely -necessary in the- interest of a real coopera-
tion between the German and the Japanese Armed Forces representa-
tives. The appointment of a Naval Attache presents great diffic-
ulties, especially since the Admiral, Tokyo is asking for a special
staff officer. Despite certain objections, a temporary solution
is contemplated whereby the Assistant to the Attache, Lt. Commander
Trendtel, would be assigned to the post of Attache.
V. The Chief, Foreign Affairs Section, Naval Staff Operations
Division gives a survey of the current negotiations of the German
Armistice Commission, France about powder and ammunition agree-
ments, problems of "ship tonnage, and reinforcement of the West
African defenses. For details see War Diary, Part C, Vol. VIII.
VI. The Japanese Naval Attache has asked the German Naval Attache
Section by telephone to furnish approximately 6,000 construction
drawings for motor mine sweepers, to be taken along by submarine
I "30". The Naval Attache Section has been directed to answer
the Japanese Naval Attache that the Navy High Command agrees that
the drawings be handed over and that the Japanese copy the' motor
mine sweepers; in both these questions, however, they must approach
the shipbuilding firm (Luehrssen) directly. Furthermore, there is
not sufficient time for delivering the drawings to submarine I "30" .
In a Very Restricted Circle ;
VII. a. The Chief, Operations Branch, Naval Staff Operations
Division discusses the reports of the Naval Liaison Officer to the
Commander in Chief, Air Force of 15 and 18 Aug. The Commander
in Chief, Air Force has issued orders to make every effort to
shoot down any planes flying the route between England and. Sweden.
The situation at Rzhev has necessitated the transfer of 2 bomber
groups from the west and 1 fighter group from the 1st Air Force
to the Air Force Command, East. It is of particular importance
that Rzhev remain in our hands because all the winter supplies
of the 9 ttl Army are stored there. It has been reported to the
Fuehrer that our air raids on England can no longer be expected
to have any serious effect.
According to a report of the 3rd Air Force, forces of the Air
Command, Atlantic Coast shot down 5 Whitleys, 2 Wellingtons
(1 not definitely established), and 1 Catalina over the Bay of
Biscay between 1 Jul. and 13 Aug.)
Only 5 British aerial mines were swept by minesweeping planes off
Lorient during the last I4. weeks.
b. For a further report on the situation in connection
with operation "Wunderland" see War Diary, 17 and 18 Aug.
c. Group North has submitted a report from submarine U "l+O^"
in reply to the Group's inquiry concerning the message about
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CONFIDENTIAL
19 Aug. 1942
sighting convoy PQ 18. The submarine report reads as follows:
"The officer of the watch on U "405" sighted 2 shadows -at a fine
angle on the bow and an escorting vessel at an angle of 0° to 10°
at 290° on the direction indicator. The watch on the bridge, who
is considered particularly reliable, reported 7 to 9 small and
large steamers at 0° on the direction indicator. The ships were
proceeding approximately on a 30° course* Speed was not estab-
lished."
Remark by Group North: With the visibility not exceeding 600
meters, the information is so vague that their correctness is to
be doubted. It is concluded therefore that convoy PQ 18 was not
intercepted.
The Naval Staff will come back to the matter.
VIII. The Deputy Chief, Naval Staff Quartermaster Division re-
quests permission to issue orders to Admiral Marschall to pre-
pare for combining the commands of Group. V/est and the Commanding
Admiral, Prance.
The Commander in Chief, Navy wishes the orders to be postponed
until Admiral Saalwaechter has gone on leave.
Situation 19 Aug. 19 42
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation ;
No reports have been received.
2. Own Situation ;
Via Radiogram 0941 the TANNENFELS was directed to proceed
to her rendezvous with ship "10 M on 28 Avg. and to continue her
voyage after supplying the ship.
The Naval Staff sent to the Naval Attache, Tokyo congratulations
for the D0GGERBANK on the occasion of the completion of her long
and successful war mission. (See Telegram 1950.)
Information on the enemy situation was sent out via Radiogram 2147.
Group West and the Naval Office Boulogne received sailing orders
1/Skl I k 1620/42 Gkdos . Chefs, for the blockade-runner KARIN. The
mission of the vessel is to take cargo to Japan. The date of de-
parture will be set by Group West. The Naval Staff will take over
the command at 30° W. For copy no. 4 of the sailing orders see
War Diary, Part C, Vol. I.
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CONFIDENTIAL
19 Aug. 19)42
II. Situation west Area
1, Enemy Situation ;
lor the probable location of British naval forces accord-
ing to radio decoding and intercept see l/Skl 2B595/I12 geh. in Vu'ar
Diary, Part C, Vol. II b.
According to statements by French fishermen, British planes and a
rranibfer of British submarines were sighted in the area betvjeen I4.5
30' N, J4.7 N, 6° 30 ' W, and 9° 30" W daily in July. Tuna fisher-
men, who returned from their fishing expedition on 11 and 12 Aug.
ahead of schedule, sighted many mines adrift at I4.6 to l\. r J° N,
6° 10' W. In many instances the British planes strafed the French
fishermen.
During the day air reconnaissance observed lively ship traffic in
the area between the Isle of Wight and Dungeness, 'and between Dieppe
and Fecamp. In the morning a convoy consisting of i| steamers,
2 destroyers, and 1 patrol vessel was proceeding on a westerly course
south of Start Point, while 9 steamers, I4. destroyers, and 2 patrol
vessels were en route on a I3O course south of Land's End.
For radio intelligence data in connection with the landing operation
at Dieppe see File "Enemy Landing Operation at Dieppe on 19 Aug. I9I4.2".
2. Own Situation : ,
Atlantic Coast :
The Naval Special Service Department, Bordeaux has submitted
the new schedule for completion of shipyard work on the blockade-
runners which are to depart in September. The resulting changes
in the previous departure plans are being communicated to Group
V.'est. Whether all 8 ships will be able to depart in September
will depend on the weather and on the enemy situation. All of
them do not necessarily have to leave. An attempt should be made
to bring out the PASSAT, the PIETRO 0RSE0L0, the SPICHERN, and the
BURGENLAND. For copy of the corresponding directive to Group West
see l/Skl I k I617A2 Gklos. Chefs, in War Diary, Part C, Vol. I.
Weather conditions appear rather unfavorable for bringing out the
WESERLAND and the UCKERMAKK. Good visibility was predicted for
the area west and north of Cape Ortegal in the afternoon. Group
West transmitted the forecast to the WESERLAND via Radiogram 1337»
As directed, the blockade-runner made another attempt to break
out in the evening of 18 Aug., but at I7I7 sne reported that she
was attacked by enemy planes at l\l+ 18' N, 8° IJ4. f W and shot down
1 Liberator, and that she headed for Ferrol after l6i|0. Thereupon
Group West directed the ship via Radiogram 1939 not to enter Ferrol
but to make another breakthrough attempt at nightfall. Shortly
thereafter, at 1901, the UCKERMARK likewise reported an enemy
attack by wheeled planes and the presence of shadowers beginning
1600 while she was proceeding on a southerly course in quadrant
BF 76. Group West directed the ship to attempt another break-
through at 21 knots in westerly direction, starting out from
the northeastern coast of Spain at I4.3 30' N at nightfall. At 1910
the WESERLAND reported from 1+3° I4.3 * N, 0° 13 ' W that she had warded
off another Liberator attack and that the weather was clear and
visibility good. On the basis of the weather forecast for 20 Aug.,
Group West expects reduced and changing visibility in the area
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CONFIDENTIAL
19 Aug. I9I4.2
through which the WESERLAND is to pass. Group West notified
both blockade-runners about the weather forecast and about the
osition of the northbound enemy convoy which was located at
2° J+0' N, 17° 30' W on 19 Aug. at noon, adding that the ships
might eventually overtake or encounter one another. (See Tele-
gram 2200.)
I
r
At 22J46 the UCKERMARK reported another attack, this time by sea-
planes, and at 23OO she reported that she was being constantly
attacked and shadowed, and that she shot down 1 plane and 'was
returning along i^ N at a speed of 21 knots. At the same time
she asked for fighter protection. The 3rd Torpedo Boat Flotilla
is being dispatched to bring her in. Thus, the UCKERMAI.K has for
the second time failed to break through. It is also questionable
whether the WESERLAND can get away. The only course left is to
wait for more favorable visibility conditions during the new-
moon phase in September and for the effect of operations by our
planes in the Bay of Biscay area after the arrival of reinforce-
ments.
Channel Coast ;
In the night of 18 Aug. the 5th PT Boat Flotilla
carried out its mine operations in quadrants BF 2382 and 2381
according to plan. The pursuing enemy motor gunboats passed
the flotilla, which had stopped, without an encounter. For
brief report see Telegram 1100. The 5th PT Boat Flotilla is 1
scheduled to transfer from Guernsey to Cherbourg in the night
of 19 Aug. In the same night 13 boats of the 2nd and l+th PT
Boat Flotillas are to be sent into action off the southeast
coast of England.
Enemy Landing at Dieppe ;
(1) At 0I4.28 our convoy consisting of subchasers "1I4.0I4." and "lJ4.ll",
mine sweeper M "I4.OI5", and 5 motor ships encountered superior
enemy naval forces which consisted of flotilla leaders, several motor
gunboats, and numerous gunboats. The convoy was dispersed in the
course of the engagement; subchaser "II1OJ4." was driven off and was
in flames when last sighted 10 miles north of Dieppe at 0603« Other
reports stated that she blew up. Subchaser "ll4.ll" and mine sweeper £
M "I4.OII4." fought separate engagements during which subchaser "ll4.ll"
fired on and rammed a large assault boat carrying 20 to 30 men,
destroying it. Hits were scored on several motor gunboats and a
flotilla leader. 1 large gunboat was sighted burning, and 1 motor
gunboat was seen drifting bottom up. During the engagement numerous
enemy planes strafed our vessels. 2 bombers and 1 fighter were
definitely shot down, and 1 fighter was probably shot down. The
convoy was brought into the roadstead of Le Treport where it can
be protected from the shore.
(2) This engagement alerted the coast seotor from Boulogne up to
Cherbourg against the enemy landing whioh started on the ooast
near Dieppe at 0600. One landing party consisting of about 3
regiments with 30 tanks debarked from 300 to I4.OO landing barges
during the morning and suooeeded in establishing footholds on the
beaohes of Dieppe, Belleville, and St. Valery. 13 to 15 light
naval vessels and several fighter groups supported the landing
operations. The fire opened by the alerted Army defense foroes
lnflioted heavy casualties on the enemy landing troops whioh were
_OOQ_
— l^t.0 —
CONFIDENTIAL
19 Aug. 1942
thus unable to send their tanks Into .action and to seize or
hold their objectives, i.e., batteries, anti-aircraft equipment,
and, most important of all, the harbor of Dieppe, We were able
to hold the 15 cm. Army battery no. 030 at Pourville in hand to
hand fighting even after the guns had been blown up.
(3) During the early afternoon hours the enemy forces began to
re-embark. Even while the 'embarkation v/as in progress, the artillery
of our 302nd Division succeeded in opening effective fire on 3
destroyers, 2 torpedo boats, and several landing barges, v/hich
probably sank. In the evening the Commander in Chief, West was
able to report that there was not a single armed British soldier
left on the mainland, and that while our losses were moderate, we
took 1,500 prisoners, including 60 Canadian officers, and de-
stroyed 26 tanks. The harbor of Dieppe is undamaged and the harbor
barrage intact. . A fighter -bomber sank 1 destroyer of the HU1IT
class off the entrance to the harbor. The Air Force radar sta-
tion near Berneval, for which a stiff battle was fought, is in
usable condition. The landing was repulsed by the regular forces
assigned to the respective division sectors, without resorting to
the SS troops and the 10th Panzer Division which had been brought
up as reinforcements.
(4) Available reports as well as prisoner statements, confirm that
it v/as planned to land 3 regiments. Behind this advance party
there were 26 transports which were also spotted by our Air Force.
A simultaneous landing, expected to be made at some other point
in the west area, did not materialize, A clear picture of the en-
emy's actual intentions cannot be formed as yet. The forces em-
ployed in the operation appear too large for a mere raid, especially
since more transports were standing by in the rear. It is pos-
sible that the Dieppe harbor v/as their first objective and
that parts of the second wave were to be landed there with the
purpose of establishing a real invasion bridgehead, Hov/ever, there
is no definite proof.
•
(5) So far, the Naval Staff has not received any reports about ■
participation of naval forces in the defensive combat on the
coast. The Armed Forces High Command Operations Staff assumes
that British troops also landed on the outer edge of the Dieppe
jetty. Our planes have been sent into action against the main
force of 26 transports which is withdrawing in westerly direction.
No results have as yet been reported.
(6) Between 1400 and 1530 a lively exchange of enemy radio mes-
sages was observed by our radio intelligence, indicating that
the situation of the enemy v/as difficult at that time, A report
about the sinking of a destroyer of the HUNT class by artillery
fire was intercepted at 1450.
(7) The first news concerning the details of the operation did
not start coming in at the Naval Staff until noon, and all re-
ports came from other branches of the Armed Forces. Only
after 2000 in the evening did Group West transmit details of
vital interest for the Navy. Thus the real importance of the
engagement betv/een our convoy and the enemy landing force as
the initial phase and a warning signal very unfortunately failed
to receive full recognition on that day. For the same reason, no
mention of the importance of this engagement is to be found in
the special communique from the Fuehrer Headquarters announcing
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19 Aug. 19U2
the success of the German coast defense and the crushing defeat of
the attacker with explicit reference to the political pressure
by Stalin which had forced the British to commit this act of
desperation.
For messages and reports received see File "Enemy Landing at
Dieppe on 19 Aug. I9I4.2" and appendix to War Diary, Part C,
Vol. II b.
III. North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea :
Ene my Sit ua tl on ;
A few planes were observed flying in the direction of
the Skagerrak. Toward noon air reconnaissance spotted a south-
bound convoy off Lowestoft and a convoy proceeding on an un-
specified course off Cromer. Each of the convoys consisted of
15 to 16 steamers. At 0^h5 motor gunboats were sighted in the
vicinity of the Den Helder approach buoy.
Own Situation ;
On the night of 18 Aug. about 25 enemy incursions were
observed on a wide front to the east and northeast over the
German Bight and Jutland as far as the northern tip of Langeland
Island. It is assumed that the planes dropped mines. Increased
readiness was ordered on the Danish west coast since enemy
ships were located by the radar set (Lamageraet) at Thyboroen.
For details see Telegrams 0650 and O7I4.6. In the afternoon
single enemy planes carried out reconnaissance flights over the
northwestern coast of Germany as far as the area of Hanover.
Up to 2000, 5 ground mines had been swept off Terschelling, 3
off Borkum, and 1 ground mine was swept off the Ijmuiden jetty.
1 of the 5 mines off Borkum was swept by a mine-sweeping plane.
Convoy and patrol operations in the area of the Commanding
Admiral, Defenses, North proceeded according to plan without
incidents •
Pointing to the enemy landing at Dieppe, Group North directed
the Admiral, Netherlands and the Commanding Admiral, Defenses,
i^orth to order the highest degree of readiness on the coast
and at sea and to limit the convoy movements to a minimum until
further notice. (See Telegram 1201.)
2. Norway, Arctic Ocean :
Enemy Situation :
For details of photographic reconnaissance carried
out over the area of Iceland on 18 Aug. see Telegram 1231.
Reconnaissance flights carried out by the 5th Air Force over the
Spitsbergen area on 19 Aug. failed to yield any results of tactical
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19 Aug. 19i+2
significance. On the west coast, the sea was found free of ice
as far as the Bell Sound, while 5 to 10$ drift ice was observed in
the area between the Eell Sound and the Ice Fjord. A total of 11
patrol vessels were located off the north coast of Iceland. In
the afternoon 10 to 15 large vessels were in Reykjavik.
Own Sltuatj on ;
No incidents occurred in the area of the Commanding
Admiral, Norway.
For additional remarks on the report of submarln3 U "I4.O5" about
sighting convoy PQ 18 see Conference on the Situation with the
Chief, Naval Staff.
The Commander in Chief, Air Force reports that the weather expedition
"Knospe" cannot be brought In before the beginning of September
since the only plane which can be used for this purpose, a BV 222,
is being overhauled.
The 9th Submarine Flotilla reported that submarine U "595" sighted
drifting mines in quadrants AE 8335, 8337, and 8539 between ZJ and
29 Jul. Group North has informed all submarines in that area.
Submarine U n [|.35", was ordered to patrol the approach to the Ice
Fjord where steamers are occasionally sighted by our planes.
In connection with operation "Sunderland" , submarine U "601"
was ordered to withdraw to the area between Dickson Island and
White Island after her rendezvous with the SCHEER. Submarine
U , '255 n is to patrol the passage between Cape Zhelaniya and the
ice boundary and to maintain contact with worth-while targets
for subsequent operations by the cruiser SCHEER. Submarine
U "251 M has been ordered to wait for the SCHEER at 770 30 ' N,
73° E beginning 20 Aug. from 1600 to 2I4.OO and to proceed im-
mediately thereafter to the area west of the Kara Strait, if
ice conditions permit.
\\. enemy patrol vessels opened fire on submarine U "209" in the
northern approach to the Korgtin Strait. The submarine withdrew
farther out to sea for the planned transfer of ammunition.
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1* Enemy Situation ;
No reports of importance have been received.
2. Own Situation ;
In the night of 18 Aug. enemy planes were active over
the entrances and the western part of the Baltic Sea. It is assumed
that they dropped mines. In the eastern Baltic, some 30 enemy
planes were reported over the Memel-TIlslt-Insterburg-Goldap area.
The planes penetrated as far as Rixhoeft, Gdynia, and Danzig,
dropping bombs. For damage and casualties see Telegrams O7IO and
1157* I n the afternoon single enemy planes carried out reconnaissance
missions over the area of Schleswig-Kolstein and Kiel. Smoke
screens have been ordered for Kiel. (See Telegram 2006.)
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19 Aug. 19U2
Convoy and patrol-, operations in the area of the Commanding Admiral,
Defenses, Baltic Sea proceeded without incidents.
In the early morning hours 16 Russian bombers attacked a subchaser
group off Vigrund in the Gulf of I- inland. Mine sweeper M "30"
suffered casualties. In the evening of 18 Aug. Finnish fighters
shot down 16 more Russian fighters. The air battle was fought
over an area extending as far as Shepel. *
Due to unfavorable weather conditions, operation "Seehund II"
was postponed. Convoy and mine -sweeping operations were carried
out according to plan.
V. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation ;
Lively air activity was reported over the southern rendez-
vous area. Submarine sighting reports from planes in connection
with our operation against^ the convoy east of the Azores were
intercepted on several occasions.
Other submarine sighting reports were intercepted from the area
east of New York, the Florida Strait, and from the areas south
of Cuba and west 'of Trinidad. Submarine attacks were reported
from the area east of Curacao and 250 miles north of the Anegada
channel (Lesser Antilles).
According to an intelligence report from London of 11 Aug. a
convoy of 1I4. steamers is being loaded with tanks and anti-tank
guns on the Isle of Man.
2. Own Situation :
I), submarines have left their bases. For operations in
the Arctic Ocean see Situation Arctic Ocean.
From the northbound convoy intercepted west of Trinidad, submarine
U "162" sank a 6,000 GRT steamer, while submarine U "564" (Lt.
Suhren) sank 2 tankers and 2 large steamers, totalling 28,000 GRT,
despite strong defense action by destroyers- and planes.
The convoy proceeding west of V^indward Passage has not been
intercepted again. Submarine U "553" reports that the 5,000 GRT
steamer from this convoy, which was torpedoed on 18 Aug., has
probably sunk.
Submarine U "5IO" sank the steamer NORTHUMBERLAND (probably
1,255 G R T) in the area off French Guiana.
A strong air escort sent into action badly hampered our operation
against the northbound convoy east of the Azores which has reached
the latitude of Cape Vllano. Only submarine U "l4.06 M was still
able to sink a 6,000 GRT steamer from this convoy. The convoy was
reported to consist of 15 to 20 steamers. Several of our submarines
were damaged by depth charges and bombs. The Commanding Admiral,
Submarines ordered the operation discontinued.
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19 Aug. 19U2
In the Mediterranean, the rescue mission for submarine U "85"
has been completed.
For details from all operations areas see Supplement to the
Submarine Situation in War Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
3. Special Items :
Concerning the effect of enemy planes on our submarine
operations, the Commanding Admiral, Submarines submitted the
following report to the Naval Staff, with copies to Group West,
the 3rd Air Force, and the Air Commander, Atlantic Coast:
The plane escort of the enemy convoy located by our submarines
110 miles east of the Azores on 16 Aug. and pursued northward was
observed as early as l8 Aug. 420 miles west of Finisterre. By
that time our submarines had already sunk 6 vessels totalling
31,700 GRT, without loss or damage to themselve-s.
Enemy air attacks on 16 Aug. ( sic ) resulted in our. loss of
contact with the convoy and in heavy bomb damage to one of the
submarines, which must presumably withdraw entirely from the
operation. On the whole, the presence of even a few enemy
planes makes operations against the convoy very difficult. This
difficulty, however, could be overcome if He 177 ' s were sent
up to chase the enemy planes away.
These planes would;
a. Eliminate the aforementioned difficulty for our sub-
marines.
b# Help to reestablish contact with the convoy.
c. Offer chances for successful attacks on vessels proceed-
ing without escort which have dropped out of the convoy due to
submarine action.
The Naval Staff will take up the matter with the
Air Force Operations Staff.
VI. Aerial Warfare
l a British Isles and Vicinity :
In the course of our defense action against the enemy
landing at Dieppe 9^ enemy planes were shot down definitely and
30 probably. The Naval Staff has not yet received any report
about combat operations against the enemy ships.
In the night of 19 Aug. 25 German planes attacked Portsmouth and
10 attacked alternate targets.
No enemy planes flew over the Reich territory in that night.
2. Mediterranean Theater ;
No noteworthy reports have been received.
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19 Aug. lQj+2
3. Eastern Eront ;
Reoonnaissance planes were active over the Black Sea
and the Sea of Azov. Around O9OO, 1 ; Russian submarine was sunk
northwest of Hogland in the Gulf of Finland.
For reconnaissance results from the Arctic Ocean see Enemy
Situation, Arctic Ocean.
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
The British Admiralty announced that the anti-aircraft
cruiser CAIRO and the destroyer FORESIGHT were lost during the re-
cent attack on the convoy in the western and central Mediterranean
and that these ships, together with the EAGLE and the MANCHESTER,
are the large war vessel^ lost in 'the course of this action. 66
Axis planes were shot down, as compared with 8 British planes.
The destroyer WRESTLER, which the Admiralty previouslj
announced as sunk, evidently does not count as a large
vessel.
In reply to an inquiry by the Naval Staff (see War Diary 17 Aug.),
the German Naval Command, Italy reports that, according to
available information, only 2 battleships of the NELSON class
definitely participated in the recent convoy operation. One of
these battleships is still in Gibraltar in a damaged condition,
while the other is assumed to have departed westward on 16 Aug.
On the morning of 19 Aug. the cruiser CHARYBDIS remained at sea
ease of Gibraltar for a few hours. The NELSON, the ARGUS, the
FURIOUS, 1 ship of the ILLUSTRIOUS class in dock, and 3 cruisers,
one of them of the FIJI class also in dock, were located in the
Gibraltar harbor. Observation was incomplete. An agent reports
that the foredeck of the NELSON is damaged. One of the FTJI-class
cruisers is said to be the NIGERIA and to have been hit by
a torpedo.
In the morning Italian reconnaissance planes sighted 3 westbound
British destroyers between La Galite and Cape de Fer, presumably
en route from Malta.
I4. steamers, 2 tankers, 3 submarines, and 2 patrol vessels were
located in the harbor of Valletta.
Submarines were sighted off Sfax, east of Derna, and north of
Leukas Island.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean :
No incidents were reported.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa ;
On 18 Aug. an enemy submarine sank the Italian steamer
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• CONFIDENTIAL
19 Aug. 1942
PERSEO (4,857 GRT ) off Gape Carbonara (Sardinia). The arrival of the
CITTA DE ALESSANDRIA convoy which was attacked by enemy planes en
route from' Suda to Tobruk on 18 Aug. has not been reported. 4 German
landing craft are en route from Palermo to Tripoli.
826 tons were unloaded in Tobruk on 17 Aug. and 930 tons on 18 Aug.
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea :
No noteworthy incidents occurred.
Black Sea :
Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance reported that 2 steamers, 1 tanker, 1 war-
ship hull, and the cruiser KOMINTERN departed from Tuapse in the morning,
evidently in the course of the evacuation of this base.
Lively tug and barge traffic was observed on the Volga River. No notice^
able changes occurred in the number of ships in Astrakhan.
Own Situation ;
The Admiral, Black Sea ordered the Commander of the ( Danube
Flotilla to come immediately to Ivanbaba in order to carry out mine-
sweeping operations in the Sea of Azov, the Kerch Strait, and off the
Caucasus coast. The harbor of Akhtari is badly damaged. The mine
situation is unknown. However, according to a report of the Naval Harbor
Control Office, facilities for transshipment and transport of supplies
are available.
5. Special Items :
a. According to a Russian source, a canal 90 to 110 cm.
deep connects the northern Kuban River mouth with Taman Bay since 1941.
b. The Naval Liaison Officer to the Army High Command
transmitted to the Naval Staff and to Group South the following report
of Army Group A to the Army High Command dated 17 Aug.:
"The Army Group has always strictly and carefully directed every de-
tail of the various operations involving the naval landing barges.
"All in all, the Army Group had 19 landing barges at its disposal, as
well as 2 heavy ferry battalions. One of these battalions and 3 land-
ing barges are employed to carry supplies. One of the landing barges
sank upon striking a mine, leaving a total of 18 landing barges
available.
"5 Rumanian divisions and a strong anti-aircraft artillery force are
to be brought up to the mainland from Kerch. Since the aviation
gasoline required for operating the Siebel ferries of the heavy
ferry battalion cannot be made available to the Army High Command,
the ferries can be used only to a very limited extent. If the
landing barges are now also going to be withdrawn from Kerch, as
suggested by the Army High Command, any regular and continuous
transport of personnel across the sea will become impracticable,
since no other ships are available for this purpose. Even now it
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CONIIDENTIAL
19 Aug, 191+2
take's at least 2 weeks to bring over a single division.
"Nevertheless, as soon as a certain number of troops has been
brought over from Kerch to the Tainan Peninsula, the Army Group
will investigate the possibilities of reducing the number of'
landing craft operating there and using the remaining ones for the
transport of supplies. On the other hand, the Army Group feels com-
pelled to point out that since the 298th Division has been likewise
withdrawn it has become imperative to assign to its area the Ruman-
ian forces, which are to be brought over from Kerch. They are
also particularly needed for defense tasks in the large occupied
area, since the few German divisions that are left are urgently
needed at the front."
VIII. Situation East Asia
No noteworthy reports have been received.
IX. Army Situation
1. Russian Front :
Army Gx-oup A ;
On the Caucasus front sectors, our attacking forces,
occasionally encountering stubborn resistance, are gaining ground
in southerly and southeasterly directions according to plan. The
13th Panzer Division took Vorontsovo east of Maisky and is ad-
vancing toward the east. The 111th Division crossed the Kuma
River near Praskoveya and Vladimirovka ( 150 km. from the Caspian
Sea) .
Army Group B ;
The bridgehead on the Don River northwest of Stalingrad
was widened and the military bridge completed. Enemy attempts
to cross the river in front of the 8th Italian Army were warded
off.
Central and Northern Army Groups :
Stiff, fighting continues in the area west of Byelev and
in front of the Zhizdra positions, as well as in the penetration
point southeast of Rzhev. On the northern front of Rzhev and
near Lyubnitsa on the Demyansk front the enemy succeeded in
penetrating our lines. Our troops, however, were able to seal
them off. Enemy attacks near Staraya Russa and on the Pola
and the Redvya Rivers were repulsed. Enemy assembly positions
near Soltsy were smashed, and the enemy attack southeast of
Leningrad in the sector of the SS Police Division was brought
to a halt.
2. Finnish and North African Fronts ;
Nothing to report.
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19 Aug. 1914.2
" 3* France ;
At 0605 the enemy began to land troops iu the sector
near Dieppe. At 1000, debarkations -were still going on at Dieppe
and Pourville. The situation was unclear at ^uiberville. Another
landing was expected at Salnt-Aubin. Late in the afternoon the
landing was successfully repulsed at every point (see Situation
West Area).
•
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CONFIDENTIAL
20 Aug. 1942
Items of Political Importance
The enemy landing at Dieppe is being widely discussed. Even while
the operation was still in progress, the British were sending sit-
uation reports to the French people by radio as well as by leaflets;
they warned the French population against any participation in the
battle since the present operation was of a merely temporary na-
ture. After the conclusion of the operation the contention that the
undertaking was not an invasion attempt but an action of limited
scope was emphasized in 'a special communique of the British radio,
which stated that the main combat force re-embarked almost to the
minute according to schedule. The loss of 92 planes was admitted.
• Information obtained in the meantime by the Army
seems to confirm the fact that the undertaking was
meant to be of limited scope. -•
Be that as it may, the fact that the landing was beaten off will un-
doubtedly have serious political consequences which will prove harm-
ful to the enemy. Even if the undertaking was actually intended as
a nuisance action of limited military scope, from the political
point of view it was unwise, to say the least, because it was bound
to end in heavy losses, without on the other hand producing any
visible success. Not even the most skillful propaganda will be
able to convince anybody that it paid to undertake such an opera-
tion just to destroy the harbor of Dieppe and a few batteries and
radar sets in its vicinity, or that the heavy casualties were not
too high a price to pay for the experience gained. Since the
constant discussion about establishing the second front in Europe
had been going on for weeks, it is impossible to separate the
Dieppe incident from this issue and avert the political fiasco,
which is much more serious when connected with a military failure.
It was therefore to be expected that the country most interested in
an invasion, namely Russia, would receive the news about Dieppe
with extreme coolness.
A noteworthy article about the results of the Moscow conference
appeared in the Neue Zuericher Zeltung . It calls attention to the
fact that no mention was made of Japan during the negotiations, and
that the emphasis was on the military aspects of the discussion.
On the other hand, the words "second front" do not appear in the
official communique on the conference. For details see Political
Review No. 194, paragraph 1.
Syria ;
According to a diplomatic source, disagreement has arisen between
De Gaulle and Catroux because of the latter' s refusal to send
troops to Egypt.
Italy ;
The Tribuna voices once again the Italian claims to Tunisia, Cor-
sica, and Malta, mentioning the Italian victory at Pantelleria. It
states, however, that it is not enough to exclude foreign powers
from the Mediterranean proper, for as long as its entrances are in
foreign hands, the Mediterranean Sea will remain a prison.
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CONFIDENTIAL
20 Aug. 1942
Portugal :
In connection with the negotiations - in South Africa, conducted
by the Colonial Minister, it is reported that Prime Minister* Smuts
insists that Mozambique Is too weak to prevent the Japanese from
establishing bases there. He believes that the situation calls
for cooperation on the part of South Africa and Portugal.
Conference .on the Situation with the Chief, Naval Staff
I. Following the experience with the attempts of the WESERLAND
and the UCKERMARK to leave port, as reported in detail by the
Chief, Operations Branch, Naval Staff Operations Division, the
llaval Staff ha - s arrived at the conclusion that the threat of air
attacks, the weather conditions, and the present moon-phase make
a breakthrough at this time too hazardous for these valuable
ships. The Chief, Naval Staff agrees that Group West should be
directed to order another breakthrough as soon as the enemy sit-
uation and weather condition^ appear favorable. This will pre-
sumably .not be the case before early September. It is more im-
portant to save the ships for blockade-runner missions than to
adhere to the schedule at the cost of sure losses.
A directive to this effect has been issued to Group Vest.
II. Report by the Chief, Naval Ordnance Division :
1. Oil Situation in Russia; According to statistics, pro-
duction In 1940-1941 amounted to 25,000,000 tons in Baku, 2,500,000
tons in Maikop, 2,500,000 in Grozny, and 4,000,000 tons in the rest
of Russia, excluding Sakhalin Island. The Maikop oil is particu-
larly rich in gasoline. Many of the drilling plants in the Maikop
area are destroyed. 2 brigades have been assigned to drill. To
explore and put into operation the entire Caucasian oil district
would cost 10 to 20 billion marks.
2. Protection of the Nile dams by Egyptian troops.
3. New regulations issued by the Minister for Armaments and
War Production, concerning the following:
ship.
a. Inventions made in factories under private owner-
b. Employment of transport specialists.
c. The duties of the Armament Office (Ruestungskontor )
4. The effect on naval batteries of the Fuehrer directive
for reinforcing coastal defenses against air attacks.
The Chief, Naval Staff will ask the Fuehrer whether the SEYDLITZ
turrets may be set up in France so that the GNEISENAU turrets can
be left in Norway as planned.
III. Report by the Chief, Naval Staff Quartermaster Division :
1. The enemy landing at Dieppe is viewed very calmly at the
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CONFIDENTIAL
20 Aug. 1942
Fuehrer Headquartei The ier in Chief, West and the Air
Force Operations Staff transmitted the news promptly and in great
detail. Unfortunately, contributions from the Navy were lacking.
2. While on a short visit in Mariupol, the Chief, Naval
Staff Quartermaster Division found 6,000 tons of armor in the
Ilich plant, which is suitable for strengthening the coastal de-
fenses in the west area and in Norway. The matter has been re-
ported to the Fuehrer.
From the afternoon of 20 Aug. till the morning of 23 Aug. the
Chief, Naval Staff will be away from Berlin on an official trip
to Ploen and Segeberg.
Special Items ;
I. The Naval Staff has summed up the opposing views of the
German and Italian Navies about a permanent mine barrage in the
French territorial waters off the Tunisian coast on the basis of f
the latest reports and lias sent this information to the Foreign
Office, with copies to the Naval Representative on the Armed
Forces High Command Operations Staff, the German Naval Command,
Italy, and the German Armistice Commission, France. The Foreign
Office has been asked to make known its views on the issue. What
the Navol Staff wants to find out is whether there are any real
objections to the Naval Staff's position that the barrage should
be laid by the French, who alone are able to control any neces-
sary gaps in the minefield. For details see l/Skl I E 1616/42
Gkdos. Chefs, in War Diary, Part C, Vol. VIII.
II. Radio Intelligence Report No. 33/42 of the Naval Communica-
tions Division, Communications Intelligence Branch contains a
compilation of enemy reports intercepted by the radio decoding
and intercept services between 10 and 16 Aug. 1942.
The following is included:
1. Reports on the naval situation sent by the Russian
signal stations on the I.'urman Coast.
2. The tactical organization of the naval air forces of f
the Russian Baltic Sea fleet.
3. Russian Army radio messages of 6 Aug. according to which
all supplies stored in the harbors of the Caspian Sea and of the
lower part of the Volga River are to be brought up the Volga with
utmost speed.
4. It is pointed out that convoy PQ 1C is not mentioned in
a situation report intercepted in its entirety from the Iceland
area on 6 Aug. This may be considered a confirmation of the nega-
tive results of our air and submarine reconnaissance concerning
convoy PQ 18.
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CONFIDENTIAL
20 Aug. 1942
Situation 20 Aug. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
South Atlantic t
On 19 Aug. radio Freetown issued an urgent message to
all warships in its area, mentioning 2 positions directly
northeast of the point where the DALHOUSIE was attacked. The
message presumably refers to a patrol.
The British press and radio have repeatedly reported about the
appearance of a heavily armed German auxiliary cruiser in the
South Atlantic off the West African coast. The ship is de-
scribed as a 9,000 ton vessel, with 20 knots speed, armed with
6 guns, some of 21 cm. caliber. The vessel is reported to have
fired 60 rounds on an American merchant ship during the night,
killing 15 men and capturing 46. PT boats lowered from the
auxiliary cruiser encircled the American ship and sank her with
3 or 4 torpedoes. 10 survivors have arrived in a port on the
Atlantic Ocean.
The M0RET0H BAY, which was reported converted to an auxiliary
cruiser a yea.r ago, left the La Plata with a cargo of meat.
Indian Ocean :
An agent reports that 12 ships carrying planes and
American troops passed through the waters off the Cape bound for
Australia during the first week of August.- According to the
same source, the tanker 'route between the Persian Gulf and
Australia runs via Zanzibar.
2. Own Situation :
The failure of the UCKERMARK and the WESERLA1TD to'
break through has necessitated a new arrangement for supplying
ships "23" and "28". The two ships have therefore been ordered
to get their fuel from the supply still left on the CHARLOTTE
SCIILIEI.IANN which will arrive at a rendezvous 'point 8 miles
farther south than point "Seide" and at the same longitude on 22
Aug. The Naval Staff assumes that ship "28" will be the first
to reach the rendezvous point, and that in order to take over
the fuel supply she will head toward a calm spot because of the
prevailing weather conditions. For this reason ship "23" should
not steer for the rendezvous point before 25 Aug. After having
supplied both ships with fuel oil, the SCHLIEMANN is to pro- .
ceed to Japan. After refueling,, the two auxiliary cruisers are
requested to report at their convenience how long they can re-
main at sea, including their return voyage to western France,
and the date on which the SCHLIEMANN was released.
Preparations are under way to bring up supplies for ships "28"
and "23" from Japan. (See Radiogram 1749.)
Via Radiogram 1822 ship "10" is directed to take only the in-
dispensable minimum out of the supplies sent with the TANNEN-
FELS and leave the rest of the supplies, as well as the plane,
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CONFIDENTIAL
20 Aug. 1942
for ships "28" and "23", and to ^ake over the prize crews.
Information about the enemy situation was sent out via Radio-
gram 2215.
II. Situation West Area
1, Enemy Situation :
In the morning of 19 Aug. air reconnaissance spotted
4 steamers with 2 destroyers and 1 escort vessel on a westerly
course off Start Point and 9 steamers with 4 destroyers and 2
escort vessels on a northeasterly course off Land's End. On 20
Aug. several motor gunboats were sighted between Dover and Hast-
ings, 2 destroyers and 2 steamers were spotted on a 45° course
south of Dungeness, and 3 large war vessels and 12 landing
barges 'were observed in Brighton.
2. Own Situation :
Atlantic Coast :
At 0921 the blockade-runner WESERLAND reported that,
while attempting to break through for a second time, she was
attacked by enemy planes at 43° 11' N, 9° 20 » W during the night
and was pursued by shadowers. She is trying to reach Finis-
terre. Group West ordered the ship to proceed eastward within
or along the Spanish territorial waters. (See Telegram 1035.)
Further orders forbidding the WESERLAND to enter any Spanish har-
bor except in emergency were sent via Radiogram 1239 along with
the announcement that 3 of the new mine swejpers are en route
to bring her in.
In the meantime the Naval Staff informed the Naval Attache in
Madrid that 2 outbound 1 lockade-runners have been under constant
attack by British planes about 20 miles north of Cape Ortegal
from 19 Aug. in the afternoon until tonight, and that one of them
turned back at night and is steering for the French coast at 44°
N, while the other has been heading for Finisterre since 0830.
This ship will presumably enter a Spanish harbor.
At 1908 a report came in from Group West stating that the UCKER-
I.IARK had entered the Gironde at 1800. Shortly thereafter Group
West reported that according to a message from the Naval Attache
in Madrid the WESERLAND entered Corcubion Bay at 1100 and in-
tended to proceed eastward at nightfall. Steps are being taken
to bring her in. (See Telegram 1905.)
At 2119 the WESERLAND reported that she left Corcubion Bay in
easterly direction at 1800.
Channel Coast :
Group West announced that on 19 Aug. an unmanned harbor
defense vessel was sunk in the harbor of Dieppe and that the
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20 Aug. 19 42
harbor was damaged by artillery fire and air raids. The Navy
suffered the following casualties on 19 Aug.: 11 killed, 20
wounded, 10 missing. Subchaser "1404" is a total loss.
The Naval Staff expects to receive a comprehensive report about
the part played by the Navy in warding off the enemy landing on
19 Aug. Radically new aspects have not presented themselves so
far.
According to data compiled by the Air Force, 945 German planes
were sent into action over the Channel on 19 Aug. The Air
Force General Staff lists the following successes scored against
enemy vessels: 1 destroyer, 1 assault boat, and 5 steamers sunk,
1 motor gunboat probably sunk, 4 cruisers, steamers, 2 motor
gun boats, 1 assault landing barge, 1 tug, and 1 crash boat dam-
aged.
The Army General Staff reports that out of the total of 4,200
enemy soldiers participating in the landing no more than 400 to
500, i.e. the equivalent of 2 landing parties, were Britishers.
The bulk of the force consisted of 2 Canadian brigades, a number
of Canadian engineer troops, and some Norwegians and Yugoslavs.
No U.S. troops participated, and the presence of De Gaulle
soldiers is not confirmed^ U.S. and De Gaulle fliers might
possibly have participated in the operation.
The objective .was to land the Canadians with the 28 tanks in the
center of the sector so that they could demolish the harbor and
combat installations of Dieppe and raid the division headquarters
in Arque-la-Bataille (6 km. southeast of Dieppe). Upon comple -
tion of this task, the landing force was to withdraw . At the
3ame time the two British landing parties were supposed to de-
stroy the batteries on both sides of Dieppe and to seize the
vessels in the Dieppe harbor and take them to England. On the
whole, the British had a correct picture of our defenses.
From a military standpoint such a limited operation appears
even less understandable than from a political standpoint. A.t best,
the seizure of Dieppe for a few hours would have , offered the
enemy facilities for qa ickly unloading a few more regiments with
some heavy weapons, tanks, and guns. According to the findings
of the General Staff, it appears dubious whether the 26 vessels
sighted off Portsmouth were assembled there to be used as trans-
ports if the first landing wave had been more successful. But
even if the enemy had succeeded in establishing a bridgehead in
the Dieppe area by landing a force estimated to have totalled
15,000 to 20,000 men, such an operation would have made sense
only in conjunction with a successful attempt to tie up our re-
serve divisions by simultaneously landing more forces of a similar
or larger size elsewhere in the west area, and especially, by
throwing strong airborne forces behind our lines. Since no such
plans seem to have existed — there are, at least, no indications
to this effect — the operation of 19 Aug. was bound to end. in a
military setback for which no military justification can be offered,
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20 Aug. 1042
Naval Situation on 20 Aup;. ;
The torpedo operation of the 4th and 1st PT Boat Flotillas against
the convoy route in quadrants AN 7392 and 7391 in the night of 19
Aug. was unsuccessful. An enemy destroyer chased and drove off
the flotillas. For brief reports see Telegrams 1020 and 1110.
3 boats of the 5th PT Boat Flotilla have transferred from Le Havre
to Cherbourg.
In the evening 4 rubber rafts with 8 Britishers and 1 American
aboard were rescued off Le Treport.
3. Special Items ;
Group West has transmitted the results of its experience
with the 3rd Torpedo Boat Flotilla operations in the west area to
the Commander, Destroyers, with copies to the Naval Staff and the
Fleet. The conclusion is that the flotillas should be composed of
torpedo boats of the same type, preferably type 37. (See Telegram
1115.)
III. North Sea. Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea ;
Enemy Situation ;
No noteworthy reports have been received.
Own Situation ;
Convoy and patrol operations in the area of the Command-
ing Admiral, Defenses, North proceeded according to plan. 2 ground
mines were swept near Elbe I and a third one was swept off Terschel-
ling. Toward midnight enemy planes attacked our convoy in the
German Bight three times without scoring any successes. Enemy in-
cursions in the Netherlands area and over the convoy route between
Vli eland and Terschelling in the German Bight were probably for the
purpose of laying mines.
On 15 Aug. the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, North issued operations
orders for the laying of minefield 5a, code name "Eleanor n , and
minefield 10a, code name "Fuenfte Kolonne". The new minefields,
which are to strengthen the Westwall barrage, will be laid by the
mine layers ROLAND. KAISER, and SKAGERRAK, and by mine ships M "82" ,
M "102", and M "20". Escort will be provided by the 8th Motor Mine
Sweeper Flotilla, gunboat K "l n , and 2 boats of the 21st Mine
Sweeper Flotilla. The force is under the strategic command of the
Commanding Admiral, Defenses, North and under the tactical oommand
of the commander of the ROLAND.
The force which is to carry out the mine-laying operation "Eleanor"
has been ordered to depart on 21 Aug.
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20 Aug. 19 42
2. Norway, Arctic Ocean ;
Enemy Situation ;
At 1450 radio intelligence intercepted a British message
about a submarine, evidently the U "435", entering the Ice Fjord
(Spitsbergen) .
At 1425 air reconnaissance sighted 1 battleship, 1 vessel presumed
to be a ,light cruiser, and 3 destroyers proceeding on a southerly
course 35 miles west of Reykjavik, and at 2020 1 heavy and 1
light cruiser proceeding on a 270° course 130 miles east of Jan
Mayen. It is possible that these vessels are being sent into
action against the expected breakthrough of our ship into the
Atlantic Ocean. A submarine reported that according to sound
location, 1 steamerwas proceeding on a 60° course in. quadrant AC
1285 toward midnight. No contact was established, and it is
therefore not clear whether the steamer was part of a convoy. In
any case, it is quite possible that the cruisers sighted east of
Jan Mayen are connected with it.
In the afternoon 3 large ships were located in Reykjavik and 1
vessel presumed to be a light cruiser, 2 tankers, and 8 large
vessels in the Hval Fjord.
Interpretation of aerial photos taken on 18 Aug. showed 1 battle-
ship of the KING GEORGE V class, 2 heavy cruisers of the CUMBER-
LAND class, and 1 U.S. cruiser of the OMAHA class in the Hval
Fjord, and 1 U.S. destroyer, 1 U.S. gunboat of the ERIC class, 1
mine layer, and 1 aircraft recovery ship, in addition to the
previously reported merchant vessels, in Reykjavik.
Own Situation !
Due to prevailing weather conditions the Commanding Ad-
miral, Norway has ordered increased readiness in his area. Other-
wise there is nothing noteworthy to report.
A British press report states that it has been confirmed that a
submarine sank the steamers B0LTENHAGEN and GE0RG L.M. RUSS. .Thus
enemy submarines are again operating off the west coast for the
first time in 1 l/2 years. Group North has asked the Commanding
Admiral, Norway for information about any defensive steps planned
in this connection, apart from mine-laying.
Operation 'Sunderland ":
According to a report from the Admiral, Arctic Ocean,
photographic reconnaissance shows the following:
a. Due to the prevailing ice conditions, submarines can
pass through the Kara Strait only once, if absolutely necessary.
b. Amderma is nothing but a small settlement with a pier.
Coal is apparently mined above ground in the vicinity of the
settlement.
Consequently, an operation against Amderma would not pay.
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20 Aug. 1942
Group North has agreed to an earlier termination date for opera-
tion "Wunderland". However, the coast should be reconnoitered in
westerly direction in any case.
The information about Amderma at the Naval Staff is scarce.
According to findings by the Naval Intelligence Division, Foreign
Merchant Marine Branch, the convoy which has been en route from
Petropavlovsk via the Arctic Ocean to White Sea harbors since the
end of July is presumed to consist' of 23 vessels ranging from
1,600 to 4,800 GRT. For a list of ship names see l/Skl 28470/42
geh. in File "V/underland".
Group North has been informed accordingly.
Submarine U "456" delivered ammunition to submarine U "209" in
quadrant AT 4884. Immediately thereafter she twice attacked an
icebreaker escorted by patrol vessels without any success and then
gave up the pursuit since the icebreaker seemed to be equipped
with excellent sound locators. '
Mine Operations in the Arctic Ocean ;
On 10 Aug. Group North issued a directive to the Admiral,
Arctic Ocean', with copies to the Naval Staff, the Fleet, and the
Commanding Admiral, Cruisers, which must be carried out with ut-
most speed because the route via eastern Siberia will be navigable
only during a short period.
The directive refers to the following operations:
a. Operation "Zar", in which 200 standard mines type F and ■
100 type C are to be laid in 20 sections off the northern tip and
northwest coast of Novaya Zemlya. The undertaking is to be carried
out by mine layer ULM.
b. Operations "Zarewitsch" and "Romanow" are to be carried
out by destroyers, possibly in a single operation, south and north
of Kolguyev Island.
c. Operation "Rasputin" is to be carried out by the KOELN >
and 2 destroyers in the western approach to the Matochkin Shar,
In this case the ships will have to operate to the very limit of
their operations range.
d. Operations "Peter", "Paul", and "Iwan", are to be
carried out by submarines in the western outlet of the Matochkin
Shar, in the western outlet of the Yugor Strait, and off the
Pechora estuary.
e. Operation "Rurik" is to be carried out by a submarine
which will mine the waters off Amderma.
Operation "Knospe" t
Acting in agreement with the Naval Staff and the Chief
of the Meteorological Division of the Naval Staff, Group North
will try to send a submarine to bring in the "Knospe" personnel.
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20 Aug. 1942
Since the attempt may fail because of prevailing ice conditions,
the weather ship with automatic weather reporting gear in Oslo,
will be sent out simultaneously.
IV,. A Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation ;
It was observed that 3 destroyers had changed berths
in Kronstadt . One of the destroyers practised firing on a moving
target.
According to a. report of the Air Force General Staff, photographic
reconnaissance carried out in August has so far sh6wn 169 vessels
in Leningrad and 195 in Kronstadt. 29 of the vessels in these two
harbors were submarines. 439 vessels were counted in Lake Ladoga,
including 40 war vessels, 5 auxiliary warships, 2 torpedo boats,
and 32 motor mine sweepers and motor boats.
2. Own Situation :
6 men from the steamer V/URI were killed and 59 are miss-
ing. The latter figure might be revised downward if some of the
missing are found.
On 18 Aug. the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, Baltic Sea went aboard
the flagship REIKER. Otherwise no incidents were reported from the
area of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, Baltic Sea, except for 2
mines swept off Samsoe and Kallundborg.
On 18 Aug., at 1400, an enemy submarine sank the Swedish steamer
LILJEVALCH (8,770 GRT) proceeding in a 16 vessel convoy within
Swedish territorial waters off Vaestervik. Swedish war vessels
pursued the submarine with depth charges but the effect could not
be ascertained.
Operation "Seeigel XXVII" In the Gulf of Finland was carried out
according to plan. The laying of the "Seehund" minefield was
postponed because of unfavorable weather. Mine-sweeping and con-
voy operations in the area of the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic
Sea proceeded according to plan without incidents.
3. Special Items ;
The Armed Forces High 'Command Operations Staff has taken
note of the Navy's, demand for priority in* the utilization of the
Russian harbors in the Baltic Sea (see War Diary 1 Aug.), adding
that any orders necessitated by this measure must be approved by
the Fuehrer and will be submitted to him in time.
Thus, no final decision has as yet been passed on
.the matter. The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division
has been informed accordingly.
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20 Aug. 19-12
V. Merchant Shipping
1. The Armed Forces High Command Operations Staff has re-
vised the instructions for the Supply and Transportation Office
of the Armed Forces Overseas and the directives for the execu-
tion of overseas transports in accordance with the present ex-
panded tasks. The Supply and Transportation Office of the Armed
Forces Overseas is the executive &gency of the Armed Forces High
Command Operations Staff for all supply and transportation problems
of the German Armed Forces in Scandinavia and Africa, as well as
for overseas transports of the;-Armed Forces to and from the Baltic
countries and across the Black Sea. i'he new directive entrusts
this office with handling transports of troops, men on leave, and
Armed Forces supplies for Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Baltic
countries, and Africa, as well as across the Black Sea. Orders
issued by the Supply and Transportation Office of the Armed Forces
Overseas for arranging these transports are binding for all com-
mands concerned. Transports by naval ships or by special-purpose
planes of the Navy and the Air Force are not subject to this
regulation unless they affect the over-all Armed Forces transport
program.
None of the Armed Forces offices is permitted to charter on its
own initiative any ships or cargo space to or from Scandinavia,
the Baltic countries, and Africa, or across the Black Sea.
For a copy of the Armed Forces High Command directive see
l/Skl 20376/42 G-kdos. in files I op IV, Vol. 1.
2. In its Foreign Merchant Shipping report no. 18/42, the
Naval Intelligence Division, Foreign Merchant Marine Branch gives
an account of the Sv/edish merchant shipping in the present war as
of 1 Jul. 1942. According to this, the 83 Swedish ships totalling
268,000 GRT which are operating for the enemy represent no more
than about 50f of those which were available to the enemy powers
at the outbreak of the war. 35 vessels totalling 174,000 GRT are
employed in the Goeteborg traffic, 9 ships are used for the ex-
change of diplomatic personnel, for repatriation purposes, and
for Red Cross missions, while 389 vessels totalling 791,000 GRT
are within the German-controlled areas, including 48, or 213,000
GRT, which are laid up.
Another report deals with the ship traffic and transport of ma-
terial in the Persian Gulf between April ami June 1942. Here the
traffic has increased by 25?j as compared with the first quarter
of 1942. It is worth noting that the British transport of
supplies to Russia via the '.Vhite Sea is about equal to that dir-
ected via the Persian Gulf.
VI. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation ;
Reconnaissance in the southern rendezvous area was
particularly active over the Bay of Biscay and off the northern
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20 Aug. 1942
coast of . .Spain. However, no submarine sighting reports were
intercepted in this area. British vessels were located some
1G0 miles northwest of Cape Vilano and southwest of Porcupine
Bank .
Some submarine sighting reports have been intercepted from off
the American east coast and the West Indies. All U.S. warships
were warned of the danger zone in the area west of the Florida
Strait between 25° 10' IT, 24° 36' II, 82° 10' W, and 81° 23' W
through which they may proceed only' with the permission of U.S.
naval authorities.
2 . Own Situation :
For submarine operations in the Arctic Ocean see Sit-
uation Arctic Ocean.
In quadrant BE 8696 outbound submarine U "107" detected by means
of her newly-installed intercept apparatus 6 times in 24 hours
that she was being located by the enemy. Each time the submarine
escaped a possible attack by submerging.
This is one practical example illustrating the use-
fulness of the intercept apparatus.
No further successes were scored during the operation against the
convoy in quadrant ED 83. Submarine U "217" probably sank an
8,000 GRT tanker outside of Curacao and destroyed a freight-
carrying sailing vessel with gunfire in quadrant ED 75. 2 tankers
were located in the harbor of Aruba. Otherwise the traffic was
light.
The submarines operating in the South Atlantic failed in their
search for the convoy in quadrants CF 23 and CF 31. The opera-
tion was discontinued.
Acting on the directive of the Naval Staff, the Commanding Ad-
miral, Submarines has ordered submarine U "507" to abstain from
operating directly off the Brazilian ports or against the
Brazilian coastal traffic and from carrying out any operations
within the 20 mile zone. This directive of the Naval Staff was
issued at the request of the Foreign Office. For details of this
particular angle of the issue see War Diary, Part C, Vol. VIII.
No noteworthy reports were received from the Mediterranean. Sub-
marine U "83" v/as brought in successfully. For further details
see supplement to the submarine situation in War Diary, Part B,
Vol. IV.
VII . Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity :
In the course of the large-scale operation during the
Dieppe incident of 19 Aug. 128 enemy planes were definitely shot
down and 26 probably. Of this total, fighters brought down 102
planes, bombers 6, and anti-aircraft artillery 20. For successes
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20 Aug. 1942
scored on ships see Situation './est Area.
No noteworthy incidents occurred during the day of 20 Aug. In the
night of 20 Aug. a small number of planes were sent into action
against Portsmouth. 137 enemy planes flew over the German-con-
trolled territory, G5 of which penetrated into the Reich area.
It is likely that 30 of the enemy planes dropped mines in the
Baltic Sea and its entrances. Some 50 enemy planes were active
over the eastern area, concentrating their attacks on Warsaw. For
damage see daily situation report.
-2. Mediterranean Theater :
Reconnaissance activity was reported concentrated over
the western and central Mediterranean.
3. Eastern Front ;
97 enemy planes were reported shot down on 19 Aug. and
65 on 20 Aug. For results of air reconnaissance over the Kronstadt
Bay, Lake Ladoga, and the Arctic Ocean see Enemy Situation, Arctic
Ocean and Baltic Sea. 1 mine sweeper was sunk and another damaged
in attacks on war vessels in the northern bay of Lavansaari.
136 transport planes brought supplies for our troops fighting near
Demyansk.
VIII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
The British Admiralty has published further details con-
cerning the operations carried out in the Mediterranean last week
with the purpose of bringing up supplies and reinforcements to
Malta. The warship losses mentioned in the report have already been
discussed. According to this report, a total of, at least 66 Gernan
and Italian planes were supposedly destroyed. In addition to 2
Italian cruisers damaged by torpedo hits from submarines, it is
claimed that 2 Axis submarines and 2 PT boats were definitely sunk.
According to an intelligence report from Spain, at 0200 17 steamers
passed through the Strait of Gibraltar in easterly direction with-
out entering port. At 0230 the ARGUS, the FURIOUS, 1 battleship of
the NELSON class, 2 cruisers, and several destroyers departed from
Gibraltar on an unknown course, presumably to the west. On 20 Aug.
the following ships were located in Gibraltar: 1 ship of the
ILLUSTRIOUS class, still in dock, and 2 small cruisers, one of them
of the FIJI class, likewise still in dock. Photographic recon-
naissance showed the number of ships in Malta reduced by 1 destroyer
and 2 patrol vessels, which the Italian air reconnaissance had re-
ported as 3 destroyers off La Galite on 19 Aug.
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20 Aug. 1942
Air reconnaissance off the coasts of Syria and Palestine failed
to yield any results.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean :
On 19 Aug. the second of the 2 Italian PT boats which
had run aground on the Tunisian coast was refloated. In the
night* of 19 Aug. enemy planes made a heavy attack on Tobruk. Air
reconnaissance oyer the western Mediterranean did not yield any
results of tactical significance.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa t
According to a directive of the Armed Forces High Com-
mand Operations Staff, the 22nd Airborne Division will be re-
organized and transferred to the African Panzer Army less one
infantry regiment. The transfer will presumably begin toward
the end of September. The regiment left behind is to be ferried
to Crete as soon as the transport situation permits. The regi-
ment may be brought over to Africa at some later date. Trans-
ports carrying reinforcements for the African Panzer Army retain
their priority over transports to Crete.
Transport of supplies to North Africa has been resumed on an in-
creased scale. The CITTA DE ALESSANDRIA convoy en route from
Suda to Tobruk entered Derna and left again. In the morning
enemy planes attacked the convoy of the steamer DORA north of
Cape Stilo. No details have as yet been reported. t
During the month of July a total of 45,507 tons, including 18,301
tons of German cargo, were unloaded and 20,158 tons, including
12,878 tons of German cargo, were loaded in Benghazi.
4. Area Naval Group South !
Aegean Sea t
Some of the convoys were rerouted because of the sub-
marine menace. Otherwise the convoy operations proceeded as
planned.
' Black Sea ;
Enemy Situation ?
Only a few convoys were observed moving along the north-
eastern coast.
Own Situation :
On 19 Aug. the 3rd Motor Mine Sweeper Flotilla sank 2
of 4 enemy escort vessels encountered off Temryuk. The 2 other
escort vessels, as well as passenger steamers which probably
carried troops and equipment, fled back to port. One of the
vessels sunk was armor-plated. Group South suggests that the
success be included in the Armed Forces communique.
In the afternoon 4 vessels of the 3s t PT Boat Flotilla departed
for operations in the Tuapse area.
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20 Aug. 1942
The transport of supplies from Taganrog to Azov by means of land-
ing barges and lighters is under way.
Special Items ;
(1) The Armed Forces High Command Operations Staff has issued
a directive to the Naval Staff, the Commanding General, Armed Forces,
Southeast, and the General Armed Forces Office, with copies to the
Deputy for Labor and to the Foreign Office, demanding that, the pro-
duction of subchasers in the shipyards of Salamis, Skaramanga, and
Piraeus be increased by all possible means and that the Naval Staff
arrange with the Commanding General, Armed Forces, Southeast for
recruiting German specialists as well as Greek workers for this job.
The Greek shipyard workers are to be allotted ration C.
(2) Group South points out that there will be many excellent
possibilities for maintaining schools and training courses in the
German-occupied coastal area of the Black Sea after the cessation of
military operations. Group South believes that the Navy should act
soon to lay hands on these facilities. (See Telegram HOC.)
The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division will attend to this matter.
IX. Situation East Asia
The U.S. Navy Department reports that a U.S. submarine sank a
Japanese cruiser or destroyer in the western Aleutians. According
to an Exchange Telegraph report, a large Japanese convoy consist-
ing of troop transports was located in the vicinity of the Solomon
Islands,
X. Army Situation '
1. Russian Front :
Army Group A :
At the Ruoff Army Group, Rumanian cavalry troops broke
through the enemy position west of Kurchanskaya in westerly dir-
ection. Part? of the V Army Corps advancing south of the Kuban
River repulsed enemy tank attacks after having seized Krimskaya
and advanced further toward the west-southwest. Enemy rear guard
attacks on the advance elements of the division advancing south
and southeast of Krasnodar were repulsed. The western wing of the
XLIX Mountain Corps is advancing southward in the 3oishaya Laba
valley. Parts of the 1st Mountain Division are engaged in combat
south' of the Klukhor Pass in the Klydzh valley. The southern wing
of the 1st Panzer Army has made a further advance. The 23rd Panzer
Division established a bridgehead over the Ovana River near Maisky.
The LII Army Corps is advancing in southeasterly direction as
planned.
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20 Aug. 1942
Army Group B:
In its eastward advance, the 24th Panzer Division
reached the southern border of Lake Tsatsa and encountered a
strong enemy force while advancing toward Tsatsa in northerly
direction. The 14th Panzer Division is engaged in a battle on
the heights northwest of Tsatsa, The 6th Army repulsed 10
enemy attacks on the bridgehead across the Don River northwest
of Stalingrad. The enemy" made various attempts to cross the Don
River between Kremenskaya and Verkhnl Kan on; in most of the in-
stances the crossing was prevented. Concentrations of enemy
tanks extending up to 30 km. in depth were observed east and north
of Voronezh and southeast of Yelets.
Central Army Group ? >
The battle for the Zhizdra position is extremely diffi-
cult due to the presence of natural and artificial obstacles. En-
emy attacks against the 3rd Panzer Army, particularly at the
southeastern edge of the penetration east of Sychevka and north
of Rzhev, continued unabated.
Northern Army Group :
The enemy also persisted in his attempts to break
through the land bridge southeast of Staraya Russa. His at-
tempt to widen the breach at the northeastern front of Demyanok
failod. Our troops attacked enemy assembly positions east of
the Volkhov River and south of Soltsy.
2. Finnish Front :
Local fighting was reported.
3. . North Africa ;
No noteworthy reports have been received.
4. France ;
For an account of the enemy landing at Dieppe see
Situation West Area. For further military details see dally
situation report.
^W-iHKKHS^KHHBHKHKKHKHHttHi- •!!-!!■
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CONFIDENTIAL
31 Aug. 1943
Items of Political Importance
great Britain:
According to foreign correspondents reporting from London, the
news about the landing at Dieppe was reoeived rather calmly in
Britain. It seems that the people believe the semi-official state-
ments about the limited soope of the operation and its alleged
psychological effect on the enemy. Most neutral newspapers, on
the other hand, are unable to find any plausible explanation for
the purposes and object of an undertaking whioh, after all, entailed
quite heavy losses.
India ;
The Moslem League has now also come forward with a statement dis-
puting the claims of the Congress Party and calling on the British
to recognize immediately and guarantee the Moslems' right of self-
determination, and to pledge acceptance of the Pakistan statute.
It is understandable that in view of this situation the Government
does not intend to give in. This is also why the Vioeroy's reply
to Gandhis letter in which Gandhi wanted to explain once again
his views about the Congress Party resolution was cool and negative.
Argentina:
According to the German News Agenoy (DNB) , the majority of the
Argentine newspapers condemn the sinking of Brazilian vessels. It
is pointed out that a change in Brazil's political situation with
relation to the Axis powers will not fail to affect the attitude
of Argentina.
Brazil :
In view of the sinking of 5 Brazilian vessels, political circles in
Washington expeot Brazil to enter the war In the near future, calling
attention to the fact that Brazil's participation in World War I
was provoked by similar oircumstances. Brazil's attitude is
similar to that of the U.S.A. before her entry into the present
war, when American planes were already under orders to attack Axis
submarines in American waters. Similarly Brazilian planes partici-
pated in the recent sinking of the 3 German submarines, and a
report from Rio de Janeiro has just brought the news that a third
submarine was sunk by Brazilian forces off Bahia.
All German citizens have been forbidden to leave Brazil so that
they can be held as hostages for the 35 Brazilians interned in
Corapiegne.
The Brazilian Foreign Minister is trying to bring about a joint
declaration of all American countries against the ship sinkings.
Chile :
Reuter reports that the Chilean Government has issued a note to
the German Government, protesting against the sinking of the 5
Brazilian ships and stating that such an action against a oountry
with which Chile maintains friendly relations is felt as directed
also against Chile herself.
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CONFIDENTIAL
31 Aug. 1943
Peru :
The Peruvian Foreign Ministry has communicated to the Brazilian
Government its indignation about the submarine attacks on Brazilian
ships.
Speoial Items
The Naval Representative on the Armed Forces High Command Opera-
tions Staff has transmitted the report of the General of the
Engineers and Fortifications, Army High Command on the conference
with the Fuehrer on 13 Aug. concerning the Atlantic Wall. The
report (l/Skl I a 20644/42 Gkdos.) has been placed- at the disposal
of the Chief, Naval Staff Quartermaster Division; the Chief of the
Fleet Branch, Naval Staff Quartermaster Division; and the Chief,
Naval Ordnance Division. Another copy is in War Diary, Part C,
Vol. X. (Compare the report by the Deputy Chief, Naval Staff
Quartermaster Division on this subject at the Conference on the
Situation with the Chief, Naval Staff on 17 Aug. in War Diary 17
Aug.)
On 16 Aug. the Armed Forces High Command Operations Staff accord-
ingly issued a directive for the development of the Channel coast
and Atlantic coast defenses. According to this direotive, every
effort and means are to be used to strengthen these ooastal defenses
on the pattern of the Westwall to such an extent that by the spring
of 1943 any attack from the air, sea, or land would appear hopeless.
First of all, the submarine bases and harbors with their facilities
for a large-scale enemy landing must be protected by a compact belt
of defenses extending far enough in width and depth to make sure
that the submarine pens will not be destroyed or the harbors seized*
The Commander in Chiefs 'Vest is to submit immediately the final
plans for the main line of defense in the harbor areas and a de-
tailed plan for the construction of the required 15,000 fortifi-
cations.
On 21 Aug, the Naval Staff Quartermaster Division issued directives
to the naval offioes concerned.
Situation 31 Aug. 1943
I. War in Foreign Waters :
1. Enemy Situation :
South Atlantlo :
The radio decoding and intercept service intercepted a
large portion of an instruction of 14 Aug. issued by the British
communication officer at Cape Town to ships en route in either
direction between
(l) the British Isles and Africa
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31 Aug. 1943
(3) and between ports In South and West Africa, lnoluding
ships whioh have withdrawn from OS convoys. The ships are to
300 miles from the African coast between Cape
Town and 3° S, between the coast and a line leading through 3° 8,
3° 30' E; equator, 1° W; 3° 30' S, 7° 30' W; equator, 30° W;
5° N. 33 6 W; 10° N, 36° W . The rest of the message is
missing. Evidently, the indicated line, which follows the coast,
constitutes the boundary whioh unescorted vessels should not cross
in the direction of the sea. Combined with other course instruc-
tions that have been intercepted, this leads to the conclusion
that merchant shipping between the Cape of Good Hope and the British
Isles via the Freetown route has been rerouted nearer the coast,
probably due to the appearance of our auxiliary cruisers in the
central area of the South Atlantic.
For the routing of the ship traff io from the Cape of Good Hope to
North America and vice versa see War Diary 17 Aug. Both routings
indicate that the oentral area of the South Atlantic is being
avoided and that only fast convoys with strong escort pass through
this area at the present time.
3. Own Situation :
The directive to the CHARLOTTE SCHLIEMANN concerning the
delivery of fuel oil to the auxiliary oruisers "38" and "33",
along with corresponding sailing orders (see War Diary 30 Aug.),
were sent via Radiogram 0533. The Naval Attache, Tokyo reports
about the oordial reception of the DOGGERBANK by the Japanese
Navy in Batavia, where she stayed 4 days. Numerous troop trans-
ports loaded to oapaoity arrive in Batavia every day, allegedly
for the invasion of Australia.
Information about the enemy situation was sent out via Radiograms
0333 and 1357. The German Armistice Commission, France transmitted
the estimated positions of the French steamers ILE DE QUESSANT.
ILE DE NOIRUOUTIER, ILE DE RE, ALDEBARAN, and DUC D'AUUALE as of
30 Aug. at 3400 via Radiogram 1130.
The German Naval Command, Italy announced that the Italian tankers
ARCOLA and TAIGETE will leave Freetown for Curacao on 21 Aug. The
timetable was also given. (See Telegram 1640.)
It is rather strange that the two tankers should
be foroed to oarry fuel oil .for the British for
the third time as compensation for the fuel oil
allooated by the British by agreement for the
Italian ships carrying repatriates from East Africa.
Unfortunately, the Italian Navy has so far negleoted
to answer any of the German inquiries in this con-
nection. The matter should oertainly be investi-
gated.
LL Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation ;
Aocording to the report of the Naval Attaohe in Lisbon
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IM HMHM II I II I ■ ' ! mu III I ■■" /
21 Aug. 1942
of 18 Aug., the Portuguese stealer PESCADORE, which left Vianna
do Ca8tello for Bilbao on 11 Aug., seems to have been seized by
the British together with her entire cargo and brought Into
Gibraltar.
2. Own Situation :
Atlantic Coast :
The Gironde estuary has been temporarily closed to ship-
ping because -it is suspected that there are aerial mines in these
waters.
Group West informed the WESERLAND via Radiogram 1021 that 3 mine
sweepers of the new type are en route to meet her at the edge of
the Spanish territorial waters and that they will presumably be
at 4° W at 1830. Glose air escort and fighter operations have
been ordered by the Air Commander, Atlantic Coast.
Group West has transmitted' a report from the UCKERMARK. From 1600
on 19 Aug. to 0300 on 20 Aug. the ship was shadowed alternately by
Liberator, Sunderland, Whitley, and Wellington planes, and was
attacked with 42 bombs. Contact was maintained until 0400. The
ship is leaking oil slightly and is slightly damaged. 3 men were
wounded.
4
Prom this experience the Group Command concludes that only a con-
tinued strong escort up to at least 18° W will protect the blockade
runners. A telegram to this effect was sent to the Naval Staff,
with copies to the 3rd Air Force and the Air Commander, Atlantic
Coast. (See Telegram 1035.)
Group West intends to let torpedo boat T "4", which is not fully
ready for combat, participate in the scheduled operations. (See
Telegram 1200.)
Channel goast:
3 vessels of the 5th PT Boat Flotilla have transferred
from Le Havre to Cherbourg.
Enemy Landing at Diep p e on 19 Aug. ;
(l) According to a report of the "Combined Headquarters"
about the "Commando Raid 11 at Dieppe, strong military forces were
brought over by warships and transports and entered the waters off
the French coast at the designated points at 0450. Then, at the
stipulated time, they landed at 6 points on the shore. Planes pro-
tected the landings and returned later to proteot the ships. The
objectives of the operation were:
a. To probe the defense lines of the coast area by launching
an attack on a larger scale than any of the previous ones.
b. To destroy German batteries and a radio station which
played an important part in the German attacks on our oonvoys in
the Channel.
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31 Aug. 1943
o. To take prisoners in order to obtain vital information.
d. To inflict damage on German troops and their equipment.
Above all, the attack was to serve reconnaissance purposes es-
sential to our offensive operations. In the course of the attack
it became clear that the enemy had shortly before reinforced his
troops and guns in the region of Dieppe. Despite fierce resistance,
our commandos were able to land on the beach with several tanks.
They succeeded in destroying 3 batteries and a radio station, as
well as in sinking 3 small vessels and taking a number of prisoners.
Enemy troops suffered heavy casualties.
Our troops, consisting predominantly of Canadians, held out on the
coast from dawn for almost 9 hours. Then they were re-embarked on
the warships which had supported their operations with gunfire.
Before withdrawing, our troops blew up and destroyed the tanks
which had landed and some of which had suoceeded in breaking into
the town.
Although originally our Air Force units were only assigned to sup-
port the landing operations, one of the greatest air battles of
this war developed over this sector. The Germans were forced to
bring up plane reinforcements from all parts of occupied France,
from Holland, and from Belgium. Our fliers engaged some of these
fore es even before they were able to reach the combat zone. Strong
formations were dispersed over the Somme estuary. 91 German planes
were officially reported destroyed in combat, and approximately
twice as many were probably destroyed or damaged. We lost 98
planes in these operations; 30 of the pilots were rescued.
All through the battle, our fleet forces were exposed to furious
air attacks and heavy gunfire from the shore. DesDite this fact,
our losses were light and comprised only a number of landing ves-
sels. The destroyer BERKELEY, however, was so badly damaged that
she had to be scuttled. The majority of the orew was rescued.
Prior to the landing operations we haopened to encounter the escort
vessels of an enemy convoy. In this encounter 1 armed German trans-
port was sunk and another set on fire. This engagement delayed
the landing of the unit involved by 30 minutes.
Due to the heavy fighting which developed during the operation,
our casualties are high but by no means excessive if compared with
the scope and importance of the operation. Our ships left the
coast only after taking aboard all the troops who were able to
return.
The -:aval forces, whioh included a Polish destroyer and Free
French forces, were under the command of Captain J. L. Hallet.
The reoort goes on enumerating the participating ground and air
forces.
Reuter reports that the troops returning from Dieppe were put
ashore in a south coast port on the morning of 30 Aug. Most of
them were wounded, many had some captured German equipment. They
brought with them a number of German prisoners, including quite
a number of officers.
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21 Aug. 1942
(2) Group West reported the following supplementary
information:
In addition to the subohaser which was sunk, the coastal auxiliary
sailing vessel FRANZ was also sunk, probably by gunfire. The crew
took to a lifeboat and landed near Le Treport. As soon as the
engagement began, the radiotelegraphic equipment stopped function-
ing on all 3 escort vessels, and it was therefore impossible to
send off a "most urgent" (KR) message. However, the battle was
observed from the shore and, due to this fact, the coast was alerted.
At 0510 the Naval Communications Officer, Le Havre radioed as fol-
lows: "3 miles off Dieppe surface forces attacking convoy." Group
West informed Army Group D and the 3rd Air Foroe by .telephone that
this was presumably one of the usual attacks on our convoys. At
0535 the 3 harbor patrol vessels posted off Dieppe were attacked.
Thereupon the Naval Signal Station at Dieppe fired a signal to alert
the coast. Later the vessels entered port without having suffered
losses. In the night of 19 Aug. one PT boat group combed the coastal
waters from Boulogne westward and another from Cherbourg eastward.
All they picked up was one Polish pilot. The radar service failed
to produce any information about the enemy forces prior to the re-
port about the naval engagement off Dieppe. The equioment under
construction at Point d'Ailly is not yet ready for use. Following
the firing of the alarm which warned the coast, the main naval
forces were sent into action as Combat Group 2 under the command
of Lt. Goebel of the Naval Coastal Artillery (killed in action).
Parts of the combat group were enoircled in their defense positions
and trenches in front of the fortifications, and fought the enemy
tanks which had been brought ashore with small arms and hand
grenades. Another combat group fought at the signal station. The
behavior of the oombat groups was exemplary: the men remained calm
and determined. The signal station made an outstanding contribu-
tion to our operation and to the repulsion of the enemy by sending
clear and important messages which proved essential in obtaining a
clear picture of the over-all situation. Led by port oomraander
W°.hn, the participating naval units set an example in holding their
positions within the closest range of the enemy forces against far
superior forces. None of the enemy vessels succeeded in penetrating
into the Dieppe harbor. The harbor barrages are intact. The naval
unite ashore lost 28 men killed, 25 wounded, and 2 missing.
For copy of the detailed report see l/Skl 20638/42 Gkdos. in File
"Enemy Landing at Dieppe 19 Aug.". Copies were sent simultaneously
to the Fuehrer Headquarters, the Naval Representative on the Armed
Foroes High Command Operations Staff, the Naval Liaison Officer to
the Commander in Chief, Air Force, the Naval Liaison Officer to
the Army High Command, and to all the higher Navy oommands.
Furthermore, Group West reported the following fact which is es-
sential to the estimate of the enemy situation and of the entire
operation: The position and course of the 26 steamer oonvoy
located off Portsmouth which seemed to be standing by with further
strong landing forces aboard corresponded to those of a scheduled
westbound Channel convoy previously located by radio intelligence
and radar service. Later, the convoy proceeded to Portsmouth.
Group West is of the opinion that it is still an open question
whether there is any connection between this convoy and the landing
at Dieppe. The Commanding Admiral, Submarines had ordered 3 out-
bound submarines to head for the western outlet of the Channel,
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CONFIDENTIAL
31 Aug. 1942
because it was expeoted that a large enemy transport fleet would
be at sea, and a large-scale landing attempt would be made at some
other point. The possibility of assigning further submarines in
the harbor was under consideration. However, the orders to the
submarines were revoked as soon as it became known that the oon-
voy was entering Portsmouth and, approximately at the same time,
it became apparent that the situation at Dieppe was under control.
(3) Lt. Oomdiv Dr. Krantz has reported the results
obtained so far from the questioning of enemy naval personnel in-
volved in the landing attempt at Dieppe on 19 Aug. by the naval
interrogation officer at headquarters of the 302nd Infantry Divi-
sion in Envermeur. For copy of the telegram see l/Skl 28568/42 geh.
in File "Enemy Landing at Dieppe on 19 Aug. 1942".
III. North Sea. Norway. Arctic Ooean
1. North Sea ;
Enemy Situation :
No noteworthy incidents occurred.
Own Situation ;
In the night of 20 Aug. enemy plane6 were active over
the Dutch area and the German Bight. Aerial mines are assumed to
have been dropped in quadrants AN 8332 and 8336.
1 mine was swept by a mine sweeper off Borkum. 2 mine-sweeping
planes removed 1 mine off Borkum and 1 off Wangeroog.
Convoy operations proceeded as planned.
2. Norway. Arctio Ocean ;
Enemy Situation ;
Radio intelligence intercepted a message from an unidenti-
fied station to the Arctic Ocean Command stating that tanker no. 14
is badly damaged and in need of tug assistance.
Own Situation ;
On 20 Aug. the Russian battery on the Rybachi Peninsula
fired 130 rounds on our eastbound convoy without scoring any hits.
Russian and British planes were observed oarrying out reconnaissance
missions off the Arctic Coast. Convoy operations in the area of
the Commanding Admiral, Norway proceeded according to plan.
The Commanding Admiral, Norway has transmitted a report from the
Naval Shore Commander, Kirkenes about the progress of the construc-
tion of a cruiser berth with an anti-torpedo net in the Kjoe Fjord.
According to this report, the berth is already available and the
net is ready but has not been laid because the Air Force considers
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%
CONFIDENTIAL
21 Aug. 1942
it unnecessary in view of the existing georgraphical conditions.
An alternate berth in Renoe Sound is likewise ready for use» (See
Telegram 1530.)
In view of the fact that the steamers GEORG L. M. RUSS and
BOLTENHAGEN were torpedoed in the KriBtiansand South-Stavanger
area, the Commanding Admiral, Norway suggests that 5 single-row
anti-subnarine minefields be laid in order to protect the convoy
route in that area. For copy of the proposal see l/Ski 20636/42
Gkdos. in War Diary, Part C, Vol. Ila.
The Naval Staff has transmitted its final conclusions concerning
convoy PQ 18 to the Naval Representative on the Armed Forces High
Command Operations Staff, the Naval Representative on the Air
Force Operations Staff, and the Naval Liaison Officer at the Army ■
High Command, with copy to Group North. For copy of the telegram
see l/Skl I op 20564/42 Gkdos. in File "Elspalaet".
The Naval Staff has approved Group North's plan to have the
"Knospe" expedition brought in by a submarine stationed in the
Spitsbergen area or, if ice conditions make this impossible, to
assign the weather ship COBURG to this mission. The Naval Staff
directs Group North to have the COBURG lay the automatic weather
reporting gear regardless, of whether the "Knospe" exoedition can
be brought in by a submarine or not. (See Telegram 1717.)
In connection with operation "Sunderland" . the Navel Staff has
received a new version of the operations order by the Admiral,
Arctic Ocean, containing the following changes in the previous
order issued only in the form of a telegram (see War Diary, 15
Aug.) :
The task is to attack ship traffic in the Kara Sea. The main
objectives of the attacks are convoys, preferably those coming
from the east.
Participating forces ; the SCHEER and presumably 2 submarines in
the Kara Sea. Operations by other submarines, loosely connected
with operation "Wonderland" , are planned off the Matochkin Shar,
the Kara Strait, and the Yugor Strait.
Strategic command : Admiral, Arctic Ocean.
Taotioal command I the captain of the SCHEER. The submarines will
be under the exclusive oommand of the Admiral, Arctic Ocean. The
jump-off base will be in the Narvik area.
The surprise factor is deoieive for the success of the operation.
Strictest radio silence should be maintained and the ship must
keep out of sight. Whether and to what extent the task can be
carried out will depend on the situation and will be determined
by the commander. No inflexible orders are being issued, with
the single exception that only justifiable risks should be taken,
(Same restrictions as for operation "Roes s el sprung". ) As soon
as she is notioed by the enemy, the ship must turn away.
For execution- and details see operations order in l/Skl 1629/42
Gkdos. Chefs, in File "Wonderland".
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21 Aug. 1942
Situation concerning operation "Wunderland" ae of 21 Aug.
No report has been received from the cruleer 80HEER.
Submarine U "453" entered the Ice Fjord according to orders and
found all the coal mines in that area as well as the radio towers
in the Groen Fjord destroyed. The submarine destroyed the Linne
radio station by gunfire. She considers it unlikely that any
merohant or passenger steamers would approach the Ice Fjord.
Submarine U "589" departed on her mission off the Matochkin 8har.
She is to meet submarine U "456".
Submarine U "251" is operating together with the SCHEER. She
sighted a PT boat type subchaser at the fog boundary in quadrant
AF 9783.
IV. Skagerrak, Baltio Sea Entrances. Baltio Sea
1. Enemy Situation ;
No noteworthy reports have been received.
2. Own Situation :
*
The routes In the entrances and the western part of the
Baltio Sea were temporarily dosed because of the possible presence
of aerial mines in these waters. 4 of the enemy planes which
penetrated into the Reich on the night of 20 Aug. were shot down
by naval anti-aircraft artillery in the area of Eckernfoerde and
the Kiel Bay. The incursions reached as far as the East Prussian
coast. A total of 6 British aerial mines were salvaged in the
Ploener See and off Bordesholm, as well as in the vicinity of
Aarhus. Shipping on the lakes has been banned. 1 British aerial
mine probably exploded in the Strande Bay.
The German motor ship HINRICH (90 GRT) sank with her entire crew
in the Little Belt as a result of a mine hit.
In order to counteract as far as possible the paralyzing effeot of
the frequent closing of the routes east of Swinemuende on merohant
shipping, the Naval Station, Baltic Sea suggested that 24 lighters
or luggers from Holland or Hamburg be recruited to help speed up
the clearing of the mined routes. The Naval Staff Quartermaster
Division will take care of the matter.
The LUETZOW reported that she is not ready for operations due to
shipyard repairs.
In the Gulf of Finland, a motor boat of the Coastal Patrol Flotilla
Russia went down In flames caused by a misfire. Fog prevented the
laying of minefield "Seehund II". Mine-sweeping and convoy opera-
tions in the area of the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea pro-
ceeded according to plan without incidents.
Referring to the impending operation "Nordlicht", Group North re-
newed its request for authorization of the transfer of at least
several vessels of the 6th PT Boat Flotilla to the Gulf of Finland.
The Naval Staff refused the request because the extremely oritioal
situation in the west area requires the services of the flotilla
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CONFIDENTIAL
31 Aug. 1942
there. ' The Naval Staff does not oonaider it very likely that the
Russian fleet in the Baltic Sea will try to break out when opera-
tion "Nordlioht" gets under way. On the contrary, previous ex-
perience leads the Naval Staff to believe that the Russians will
use the arms and crews from their ships to support the fighting
on land. For this reason, the Naval Staff does not consider it
justified to withdraw any of the foroes so badly needed in the
west area for an assignment where they may not be needed and pre-
fers to risk the disadvantage of having to send some of the foroes
later for brief operations against a Russian breakthrough attempt.
]L MfirnhaTTh Shipping
In its Brief Report No. 26/42, the Naval Intelligence Divi-
sion, Foreign Merchant Marine Branch supplies information on ore
shipping in Lulea, ship traffic in the Strait of Gibraltar and the
number of ships in the harbor, the arming of U.S. merchant vessels,
the building of wooden ships in the U.S.A. , etc.
VI. Submarine Warfare
1 • Enemy Situation ; ,
Messages indicating lively reconnaissance activity in
the northern rendezvous area and around Iceland were intercepted,
one of them from a plane reporting a depth charge attack on a sub-
marine 225 miles southeast of Reykjavik.
Submarine sighting reports were intercepted from the St. Lawrence
River, where there are no German submarines, northeast of Long
Island, in the Cape Hatteras area, in the Florida Strait, and in
the Windward Passage. A message from Freetown reported a submarine
at 38° 50« S, 48° 53« W.
2. Own Situation ;
For submarine operations in the Arctic Ocean see Situa-
tion Arctic Ocean.
The NORTHUMBERLAND sunk by submarine U "510" (see War Diary 19
Aug.) was the 11,558 GRT tanker of this name. This means an ad-
ditional 10,300 GRT to this submarine's or edit. No further suc-
cesses were reported today. For other reports see supplement to
the submarine situation in War Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
T.ie Commanding Admiral, Submarines reported that an attack by
enemy planes broke up the successful operation of the submarine
group "Blueoher" as soon as the convoy came within the range of the
planes. 4 of the 7 submarines participating in the operation were
damaged by bombs, 1 of them heavily. Inoreased enemy air activity
over the Nv/rth Atlantic extending as far as 25° W, together with
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21 Aug. 1942
the enemy's excellent location system, i»o.,e made submarine warfare
extremely difficult, with the result that even if the strength of
the enemy air forces remains at its present level, the number of
our submarine successes is bound to decrease considerably, while
our losses will be heavy. This will reduce the chances of our sub-
marine offensive. In order to keep up these successes, the Com-
manding Admiral, Submarines once again requests the immediate. as-
signment of the most suitable planes to the Bay of Biscay and the
eastern Atlantic; as far as range and fighting power are concerned,
only He 177' s would be suited for the task. (See Telegram 2040.)
The Chief, Naval 8taff will personally inform the
Fuehrer about this situation when delivering hie
report on 26 Aug. The Naval Staff is keeping the
Air Force Operations 8taff informed on the matter.
In view of the fact that the blockade runners have re-entered port,
the Naval Staff authorizes submarines to attack enemy ships on
route "Anton" north of 20° N beginning at 0000 on 22 Aug. until
further notice. A directive to this effect was sent to the Com-
manding Admiral, Submarines and Group West via Telegram 1718.
VII. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity :
During the day our planes flew reconnaissance missions
and carried out a fighter-bomber attack on Hythe. No missions were
flown at night.
2. Mediterranean Theater ;
Reconnaissance over the western Mediterranean failed to
yield any results.
In the vicinity of Corfu, a German escort plane scored a bomb hit
on an enemy submarine operating against an Italian tanker whioh
had been torpedoed by a plane. The submarine sank after a heavy
explosion. A destroyer escorting a convoy shot down 2 planes.
During the photographic reconnaissanoe of Haifa, Suez, etc., very
strong anti-aircraft fire was observed reaching an altitude of
11,500 meters, and a Spitfire was seen flying at an altitude of
12,000 meters.
3. Eastern Front ;
Reoonnaissance planes were active over the Black Sea,
the Volga River, and the Arotic Ocean. The Murraashi airfield was
raided with observed effect. 14 enemy planes were shot down. 1
300-ton steamer was sunk in Eina Bay.
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31 Aug. 1942
VIII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation. Mediterranean :
No further reports have been reoeived about the foroe
which departed from Gibraltar in the night of 19 Aug. The German
Naval Command, Italy does not think that a new British operation
is in progress at present. At noon an Italian plane sighted 1
destroyer and 3 torpedo boats on a northeasterly course off the
northwest coast of Mallorca. According to an intelligence report
from Spain, a force consisting of 8 vessels and a large ship look-
ing like an escort vessel were sighted on an easterly course off (
Cape de Gata on the night of 30 Aug. However, visibility was poor.
Submarines were reported sighted off Capri, in the Strait of
Otranto, off Corfu, and off the northwestern tip of Crete. The
ships in Valletta had been increased by 2 submarines. No reports
have been received about the eastern Mediterranean.
3. Own Situation. Mediterranean :
The German Armistice Commission, France reports that the
Frenoh have alerted Marseille and Toulon beoause of the departure
of the British fleet from Gibraltar reported the day before. The
increased readiness ordered for the 3rd PT Boat Flotilla in Suda
was cancelled.
In the night of 30 Aug. enemy planes unsuccessfully attacked the
convoy of the steamer DORA and the tanker POZARICA off Cape Stilo.-
Our escort planes shot down 6 of the attackers. During renewed
air attacks at 1630 on 21 Aug. directly south of Corfu an aerial
torpedo hit the tanker POZARICA. The ship is being towed into
Corfu. One of our planes is reported to have sunk an enemy sub-
marine on that occasion.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa :
During the day enemy planes repeatedly attacked the con-
voy of the SPORTIVO en route from Tobruk to Suda without scoring
a hit. Transport of supplies from Italy and Greece to North Afrioa
and along the North African coast proceeded according to plan.
On 19 Aug. 770 tons were unloaded in Tobruk.
1 landing barge burned up during the bomber raid in the night of
19 Aug.
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea :
No noteworthy incidents occurred.
Black Sea :
Enemy Situation !
Air reconnaiseanoe reported that 3 steamers and 15 boats
were in Novorossisk early in the morning. 3 small warships entered
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CONFIDENTIAL
31 Aug. 1942
and 1 PT boat left the port. On the Volga River 1 tanker and 17
towe were observed sailing up the river, while 9 tows were moving
downstream.
Own Situation :
On the evening of 20 Aug. 4 Italian subchasers departed
from Feodosiya in order to feint a landing on the southern coast
of the Taman Peninsula.
In the night of 20 Aug. the 1st PT Boat Flotilla failed to en-
counter any ships moving south of Tuapse. The PT boats re-entered
Ivanbaba after an exchange of fire with 2 Russian flying boats.
It was oonfirmed that the harbor of Akhtari oan not be considered
for the transport of supplies by sea even if small vessels are
used.
Special Items :
(1) In order to carry out the convoy and transport
operations in the Caspian 8ea, Group South suggests that in ad-
dition to the transfer of Italian subchasers and submarines, as
well as- of 20 motor boats from the Sea of Azov, scheduled for the
first half of the ooming winter, at least 20 landing barges be
built right in the Caspian Sea area. Moreover, the number of the
Siebel ferries which the Army is supposed to hand over to the Navy
should be increased to 20, and the new ferries should likewise be
built on the spot, if the engine problem oan be solved. Further-
more, the Group proposes that a naval supply depot in Makhach Kala
be established to meet any eventuality. (See Telegram 1200.)
The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division will take up the matter.
(2) In view of the shortage of available naval vessels,
Group 8outh again asked for authorization to keep 2 of the stipu-
lated 4 reserve boats of the 1st PT Boat Flotilla on permanent
duty and for assignment of the additional crews required for man-
ning these 2 PT boats. (See Telegram 1800.)
IX. Situation East Asia
No noteworthy reports have been reoeived.
1*.
Armv Situation
1. Rub b i an Front :
Army Group A :
Enemy resistance against the Army Group units whioh are
advancing according to plan has on the whole stiffened, and the
speed of our advance has been slowed down.
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CONFIDENTIAL
21 Aug. 1943
Army Group B :
The right wing of Army Group B is slowly pressing from
the south and southeast against the area south of Stalingrad in
the face of strong enemy resistance. The northern pincers pushed
ahead toward the southeast as far as Poskovatka. On the other
sectors of the front our troops repulsed all enemy attempts to
cross the Don River. The situation on the sector of an Italian
division at the point where the Khoper River flows into the Don
is unclarified.
Central Army Group :
Fighting continues in the area south of Sukhinichi. Our
troops broke through the western wing of the enemy forces on the
Zhizdra River. East of Rzhev, the enemy is pressing hard against
our forces, some of which had to be withdrawn behind the Volga
River. Otherwise all enemy attacks were repulsed.
Northern Army Group :
All attacks against the land bridge to the II Army Corps
were beaten off. Elsewhere the enemy made some local advances
which are of no special significance.
2. Finnish Front :
No noteworthy Incidents occurred.
4
3. North Africa :
German and Italian engineers laid 144,000 mines in the
Alamein position.
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CONFIDENTIAL
22 Aug. 1942
Items of Political Importance
The Moscow conferences continue to be discussed at great length in the
international press. Among the numerous conjectures, th£ one offered
by a Swedish paper comes nearest the truth in concluding - : that Churchill
could have spared himself the trip if the Allies were determined to
open the second front now. If, on the other hand, Churchill succeeded
in strengthening Russia's determination to resist despite the absence
of a second front, as all the signs indicate, then his trip was of
greatest value for the Allied cause. It is frequently pointed out that
the mere fact that Churchill, who is now seventy, went to Moscow clear-
ly demonstrates the extreme seriousness of the situation.
Concerning the shipping problem ,
Lord Winston declared in a speech that Britain's ship tonnage situa-
tion is disastrous. Not before the British regain their naval suprem-
acy, will the land warfare produce any noteworthy successes. Unless
they are able to do so, they will continue to suffer one defeat after
another.
Iran:
The Transocean News Agency reports that for the first time U.S. troops,
which landed in Basra, were garrisoned on Iranian territory. According
to the same source, the Russian Government attempted to negotiate the
transfer of Iranian vessels stationed in the Caspian Sea to Russian
ownership.
Brazil ;
According to a press report from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is apparently
beginning to prepare for active participation in the war.
Special Items ;
The Naval Staff had asked the Naval Ordnance Division, War Economy
Branch to find out whether Ukrainian ore could under the present
circumstances be used to offset any interruptions in Swedish ore im-
ports. On the basis of information received from, the Minister for the
Occupied EastemTerritories, the Eastern Mining Corporation (Berg-und
Huettenwerksgesellschaft Ost m. b. H. ) and the Armed Forces High Com-
mand, War Economy Division, Foreign Economics Branch, the Naval Ord-
nance Division, War Economy Branch stated that it will be absolutely
impossible to dispense with the Swedish ore shipments within the
foreseeable future.
Situation 22 Aug;. 19 42
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation ;
North Atlantic :
The convoy heading for the British Isles which was sighted
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off the Portuguese coast on 11 Aug. was escorted by 1 ship of the
ILLUSTRIOUS class, 1 heavy cruiser, and 1 light cruiser. 0h ; 30
and 31 Jul. a large convoy arrived from the U.S.A. in Northern Ire-
land. According to an agent report, -there are at present no U.S.
battleships in Europe. However, a U.S. naval officer said that the
NEVADA will arrive in the British Isles with the next troop con-
voy. One particularly large convoy was expected to depart from
Sierra Leone to England between 18 and 20 Aug.
The Consulate in Lourenco Marques reports that during the last few
days 2 convoys .carrying troop3 and planes for Australia passed >*
through Cape Town. On 8 Aug. a U.S. convoy of 6 ships carrying
planes for* Egypt passed through Lourenco Marques. Japanese sub-
marines recently sank 1 Greek and 2 British steamers in the Mozam-
bique Strait.
i
2. Own Situation :
The steamer DRESDEN departed from Yokohama to Saigon where
she will take on cargo for Europe.
All vessels in foreign waters were notified via Radiogram 2022 that,
starting immediately, submarines arg permitted to fire on unescorted
and unaccompanied vessels between and 10 S west of 20° W. Upon
inquiry, the Naval Attache in Tokyo is being informed that the
mines and torpedoes left on the DOGGERBANK, which are to be brought
back to Europe when the ship returns, may be shown to the Japanese
Navy. (See Telegram 0330.) '
II. Situation West Area
1 . Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance reported 40 to 50 landing boats and 1
British warship off Selcombe. At«noon 20 steamers and 1 destr6yer
were sighted on an easterly course east of Start Point.
2. Own Situation ;
Atlantic Coast ;
While sweeping a mine off St. Nazaire, the mine-de'tonating
vessel "137" was badly damaged.
The blockade -runner YJESERLAND returned without an incident and
anchored at Bordeaux.
Channel Coast r
On 21 Aug. 1 three-engine tank' landing craft and 2 two-
engine Infantry landing craft were salvaged and towed into Dieppe.
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22 Aug. 1942
In the night of 20 Aug. naval anti-aircraft guns shot down a four-
engine enemy plane.
III. North Sea. Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea ;
Enemy Situation ;
Air reconnaissance reported the usual convoy movements
along the southeastern and eastern coasts. There was little recon-
naissance activity over the entire North Sea area.
Own Situation :
Mine-sweeping planes and motor mine sweepers removed a
total of 5 ground mines off Borkum, 2 off Terschelling, 2 off
Schiermonnikoog, and 2 off the Elbe estuary. Mine operation "Eleanor"
was carried out according to plan. Operation "Fuenfte Kolonne"
is scheduled for 23 Aug.
In the area of the Coastal Defense Commander, German Bight enemy
balloons appeared for the first time which dropped phosphorus-filled
rubber cylinders.
2. Norway. Arctic Ocean ;
Enemy Situation :
According to radio decoding of the British Admiralty re-
port of 31 May, out of the 34 ships constituting the PQ convoy, 7
or a total of 43,205 GRT, were sunk, 6 of them by planes and 1 by a
submarine • ..
The last convoy attacked prior to that date was the
PQ 16. The successes reported by , our Air Force far
exceeded this total. (See War Diary 26 May and the
following days.) On the other hand, the successes
scored by our forces against convoy F0. 15 coincide
more or less with these Admiralty figures. (See War
Diary 4 May.)
According to an intelligence report from Iceland of 15 Aug., a convoy
consisting of 11 to 12 loaded and armed ships arrived in Reykjavik
on 14 Aug. U.S. soldiers are frequently used as stevedores, replac-
ing the Icelandic workers who are on strike. Air reconnaissance lo-
cated a northbound convoy consisting of 24 ships in the Aberdeen
area. About 10 coastal vessels were proceeding on a westerly course
in the Motovski Bay between the Litsa and Ura Bays. Pack-ice was
spotted in the Horn Sound, while the Bell Sound and the Ice Fjord
were free of ice, and isolated drift-ice fields were observed off
the west coast of Spitsbergen.
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22 Aug. 1942
Own Situation ;
On 21 Aug. at noon 2 Russian planes strafed and unsuccess-
fully tried to torpedo subchaser "1103" off Svaerholt. No other in-
cidents were reported from the area of the Conmanding Admiral, Nor-
way.
The Admiral, Arctic Ocean reports that operation "Wunderland" is pro-
ceeding according to plan, bn 18 Aug. at 0130 the cruiser SCHEER
eluded an unaccompanied ship at 77° N, 35° E. It is not known whether
the message to this effect was issued by the SCHEER or by a sub-
marine. The short signal also failed to make clear whether the ship
noticed the SCHEER or not. Group North remarks that the message was
issued very late, but it does not expect any adverse effect on the
execution of the operation.
Acting on the request of the Admiral, Arctic Ocean, Group North has
given permission for mine operations "Peter" and "Paul" to be carried
out.
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1« Enemy Situation :
During the afternoon 3 destroyers were located in the Kron-
stadt roadstead.
4
Small auxiliary vessels were observed moving within the island area
In the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland.
2. Own Situation ; ,
No incidents of importance occurred in the area of the
Commanding Admiral, Defenses, Baltic Sea. According to a report of
the Naval Attache in Stockholm, the Swedish Government has announced
that a certain area has been mined and issued a warning to the ships.
For details see Telegram 1817.
Following an encounter with 7 enemy patrol vessels and 2 ?? boats,
operation "Seehund II" in the area of the Commander, Mine Sweepers,
Baltic Sea had to be broken off.
On 21 and 22 Aug. enemy dive bombers attacked our subchaser groups
west of the "Seeigel" minefield. 2 of the boats suffered casualties.
Mine-sweeping and convoy operations proceeded according to plan with-
out incidents.
V. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation ;
According to an intelligence report from England, a reliable
agent maintains that repeated or continued submarine attacks on con-
voys proceeding to England via the Atlantic Ocean will immediately re-
sult in further precautionary cuts in the British food rations and a
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22 Aug. 1942
shortage of raw materials which will lead, in turn, to a drop in
production. Shipping circles are very much concerned about the re-
cent submarine attacks on England-bound ships in the Atlantic Ocean,
since these attacks make it difficult or even impossible to pull
out a considerable number of medium and small-sized ships and to
keep them ready in the southern ports of England, for which pre-
liminary arrangements were already made. This reserve, which is in
fact an assembly of transports for the second front, will have to
be broken up if the attacks in the North Atlantic continue.
2. Own Situation :
Submarine U "354" has been sent to bring in the weather
expedition "Knospe" from Cross Bay.
In the North Atlantic, submarine U "135" of the "Loss" group located
a westbound convoy in quadrant AK 9693. All boats "of the group
were sent into action against the convoy.
The "Kirschbluete" left Lorient on 22 Aug. No successes have been
reported from the submarine operations areas. In the Mediterranean,
submarine U "565" was forced to turn back because of heavy bomb
damage .
For further details see supplement to the submarine situation in War
Diary Part B, Vol. IV.
3. Special Items ;
(1) The Naval Staff has released until further notice the
area between 0° and 10° S extending in westerly direction as far as
the coast for submarine operations. The eastern boundary lies, as
before, at 20o W.
(2) The declaration of war by Brazil has had an extremely
unfavorable effect on Chile and Argentina. It is therefore quite
possible that these countries v/ill be forced to break off their re-
lations v/ith or to declare war on Germany. For this reason, the Com-
manding Admiral, Submarines has been directed to make sure that no
incidents "occur which would involve Argentine or Chilean vessels and
that instructions to this effect be carefully observed. Submarine
U "507" which is stationed off the Brazilian coast should be ordered
to report on the circumstances under which the Brazilian ships were
sunk.
VI. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity ;
' During the day reconnaissance missions were carried out
and landing vessels, as well as the town of Selcombe, were attacked
by fighter-bombers. In the night of 22 Aug. a few planes raided
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22 Aug. 1942
Great Yarmouth, Grimsby, and other localities, after failing to
reach the main targets, namely, Cambridge and Boston. Enemy planes
flew in small numbers over the occupied territories during the day
and at night. No incursions were made into Reich territory,,
., 2. Mediterranean Theater :
Convoy escort and reconnaissance missions were carried
out over the Mediterranean.- 4 planes were shot down.
3. Eastern Front :
2,141 missions were flown on 22 Aug. 122 enemy planes
were shot down, 3 of our planes were lost, and 3 enemy planes were
destroyed on the ground. Reconnaissance flights were carried out
over the Caspian Sea. In the Arctic Ocean, the Valamovo airfield
was again raided v/ith observed effect.
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
According to an intelligence report from Spain, the FIJI-
class cruiser still at Gibraltar is the NIGERIA. The other FIJI-
class cruiser which departed with the aircraft carrier force' is
said to be the KENYA. The carrier force has not been sighted in
the Mediterranean, which seems to prove definitely that it left for
the Atlantic.
Otherwise there was nothing to report.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean :
1 German plane sighted 1 apparently damaged enemy sub-
marine escorted by a fighter 12 miles west of Lampione Island. "The
tanker POZARICA which had been damaged by an aerial torpedo hit on
21 Aug. was brought into the roadstead of Corfu where the tanker
JSAN ANDRES will take over her fuel supply. During the attack on the
POZARICA, the escort vessels were strafed by enemy planes and
suffered rather heavy casualties. Enemy submarines unsuccessfully
attacked 1 Italian landing craft en route to Gaeta north of Ischia.
The Italian torpedo boat CANTORE sank 7 miles off Ra3 el Tin as a
result of a mine hit while escorting the steamer PETRARCA from
Benghazi to Tobruk.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa :
Transport of supplies from Italy and Greece to North
Africa proceeded as planned.
4. Area Naval Group South :
• Aegean Sea :
On the evening of 21 Aug. enemy planes attacked the
Castelli airfield. Convoy operations proceeded as planned.
Destroyer ZG "3* has been named HERMES.
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22 Aug. 19 42
Black Sea ;
Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
Own Situation :
On 20 Aug. our artillery set afire the German 200-ton
steamer which had run aground south of Cossa Chushka on 19 Aug.,
although the steamer gave recognition signals. During the feinted
landing on the south coast of the Taman Peninsula, carried out with
Italian subchasers in the night of 20 Aug., the Russians defended
themselves by opening fire from land-based batteries and machine
guns with the aid of searchlights. The subchasers re-entered
Feodosiya without having suffered any losses.
The operation which 3 Italian subchasers were to carry out against
enemy ship traffic off Novorossisk in the night of 21 Aug. had to
be broken off because one of the boats was unable to participate.
The Rumanian submarine DELFINUL which departed for her first opera-
tion after a long repair period in the shipyard on 21 Aug. was
forced to return to Constanta because of some technical failure.
On 20 and 21 Aug., the transport of supplies in the Sea of Azov
from Mariupol and Taganrog to Azov was carried out with 2 landing
craft, 7 Air Force Siebel ferries, a number of lighters, and 1
engineers pontoon. Since the mine-sweeping plane which was
promised for 18 Aug. has not yet arrived in Mariupol, the port
commander of Mariupol has assigned an Air Force Siebel ferry to
sweep the routes. The route between Yeisk and Mariupol will be
swept by 7 wooden boats.
Special Items :
(1) The Army General Staff sent the following telegram to Army
Group A, with copies to the Admiral, Black Sea, the Naval Shore
Commander, Ukraine, and the 4th Air Force:
"In support of measures taken by Army Group A, it is confirmed
that according to the Fuehrer's decision Army Group A is to ex-
ercise exclusive control over the use of ship tonnage in the Sea
of Azov and on the Don River for tactical as well as for supply
tasks •
"It is essential to get shipping moving immediately, utilizing as
much as possible of the tonnage available. The Navy is supposed
to meet demands made in this connection to the limit of their
ability."
Since the Air Force is not under the command of Army Group A in the
Sea of Azov area, the problem of shipping tonnage for the require-
ments of the Air Force is still to be settled.
(2) The Naval Staff Operations Division is unable to support the
request of Group South for allocation of reserve vessels to the
1st PT Boat Flotilla unless it is possible to make 2 more crews
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22 Aug. 1942
available for the 6th PT Boat Flotilla without resorting to the
flotillas operating in the Channel. The Fleet Branch of the Na-
val Staff Quartermaster Division and the Recruitment Division
of the General Administration Bureau have been notified accord-
ingly.
(3) "Grdup South reports that in view of the heavy fighting at
Stalingrad the IV Air Corps has been temporarily withdrawn from
the Crimea. This means that operation "Bluecher" will have to be
postponed for at least 5 days. It may even have to be delayed
until early September.
VIII. Situation East Asia
According to a U.S. communique, American forces have carried
out a raid on Ma kin Island north of the formerly British-owned
Gilbert Islands, during which the Japanese seaplane base was de-
stroyed along with 2 seaplanes, and 1 Japanese transport and 1
gunboat were sunk by U.S. fleet vessels. The Japanese Headquarters
reports that a landing attempted by about 200 Americans on 17 Aug.
was completely repulsed despite their numerical superiority.
According to Anglo-American press reports, U.S. forces in the Solo-
mon Islands have completed the conquest of the islands Tulagi,
Guadalcanal, and Florida. They also gained footholds on 3 more
islands situated farther to the west. The Japanese are expected
to counterattack. Further reports state that British and Indian
troops penetrated into the Japanese-occupied territory of Burma
and remained there for 3 weeks to destroy installations and to take
prisoners.
IX. Army Situation
1 . Russian Front :
Army Group A :
South of the Kuban River, the offensive of the V Army
Corps divisions is slowly making headway in southwesterly direction
toward Novorossisk. South of Maikop, our riflemen are engaged in
a battle with enemy forces north of the Byeloryechensky Pass.
On 21 Aug. a mountain detachment hoisted the German war flag on the
peak of the Elbrus Mountain. West of Mai sky, the enemy made a heavy
attack on our bridgehead over the Urvana River. Our forces have
been assembled near Baksan and Edisia for an attack in southeasterly
direction scheduled for 23 Aug. The LII Army Corps is advancing
toward the southeast through a territory which for the time being
Is still free of enemy forces.
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22 Aug. 1942
Army Group B ;
The 6th Army is carrying out its flanking attack on
Stalingrad against stiff enemy resistance. On the northern
front of the Don position, our troops have to repulse repeated
enemy attempts to cross the river.
Central Army Group ;
The enemy has launched an offensive against the entire
front of our attacking forces in the Sukhinichi area. Except for
a few penetrations, the attack was repulsed. This puts an end to
our attack plan in this area. Southeast and east of Rzhev, superior
enemy troops forced us to yield the bridgehead over the Volga River,
blow up the bridge, and withdraw our positions. Our situation is
extremely critical.
Northern Army Group :
Local enemy attacks were reported,
2. Finnish Front s
No noteworthy reports have been received.
3. North Africa :
Air reconnaissance reported that the enemy forces v/ere
apparently being regrouped and that a new division has been brought
up. Otherwise enemy reconnaissance was very active, artillery
activity was as usual, and there was little air activity.
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23 Aug. lQl+2
Sunday
Items of Political Importance
Braz.il t
On 22 Aug. the Brazilian Foreign Ministry declared war on
Germany and Italy.
No. declaration of war on Japan has been issued by Brazil. Accord-
ing*^ British press and radio reports, the Foreign Minister of
Uruguay stated that Uruguay will follow the example of Brazil.
In a note to the German and Italian governments, the Brazilian
Foreign Minister summarized Brazil *s attitude toward the Axis
powers up to the present time In 9 points and pointed out the
reasons which led to the declaration of war. According to
this statement, the 5 recent sinkings by torpedo attacks con-
stituted a flagrant violation of International law and of human-
itarian principles and were warlike acts which were bound to
result in a declaration of war. For a detailed report see
Political Review No. 197, Paragraph 1.
Reuter reports that universal mobilization Is Impending In Brazil.
The Brazilian fleet is said to be already at sea.
President Vargas said In a speech that In the future all Brazilian
convoys will be protected by the Fleet and the Air Force In close
cooperation with the U.S. Air Force.
Portugal ;
The Transocean News Agency reports that Brazil's entry Into
the war has caused consternation in Lisbon. President Carmona
has assured the President and the people of Brazil of his own
and Portugal's brotherly feelings for that oountry on the occasion
of Brazil's entry info the war.
Finland ;
Minister Tanner stated in a speech that Finland will not accept
any separate peace overtures. As a result of past disillusionment,
the country has no longer any confidence In the peace offers
which are being presented to it.
Great Britain ;
Air Minister Sinclair declared that Britain will relentlessly
carry on her air attacks on Germany. The Germans may again send
their bombers against England when the weather changes in
Russia. Dieppe was the scene of the heaviest fighting In the
air that has ever 'occurred on any of the fronts. Within 2k hours
far more than 3,000 single attacks were carried out. Britain
is now faced with a new crisis.
The London Times expects a new German offensive in Egypt within
the next few days. The German parachute troops which have been
transferred from Crete to North Africa are expected to be em-
ployed in this operation.
India ;
The Indian party "Hindu Mahsabha" has rejected the Pakistan plan.
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23 Aug. 191+2
U.S.A. :
Willkle is leaving for Turkey and the Near East. American press
reports attribute to this trip a greater importance than to any
similar mission of earlier special envoys of President Roosevelt,
At the present moment everything hinges on the future of Russia.
Should Russia fall, special attention must be devoted to Turkey
so as to prevent the Germans from getting hold of the entire
Middle East up to the Indian frontier and cutting the British
Empire in two.
The Brazilian Ambassador in Washington declared that his Govern-
ment will technically maintain its neutrality toward Japan.
Special Items ;
At 1910 the Armed Forces High Command Operations Staff authorized
the enforcement against Brazil and Uruguay of all war measures
similar to those in force against the other enemy countries.
The Naval Staff informed Group West and the Commanding Admiral,
Submarines of this step.
Nothing is known at the Naval Staff about a declar-
ation of war by Uruguay. Evidently the Armed
Forces High Command has more recent news about the
matter.
Since the Navy might eventually be held responsible for Brazil's
entry into the war, the Naval Staff wants to state the following
facts :
1. Foreseeing that the unintentional sinking of neutral
South American ships due to their inadequate marking must result
in political difficulties and, eventually, cause more countries
to enter the war, the Naval Staff suggested to the Foreign Office
on 10 Jan. I9I4.2 that notes be sent to the neutral seafaring nations
stating that the present expansion of the war has prompted the
Reich Government to ask the respective neutral government to have
its ships properly marked so that any confusion with enemy
vessels and the resulting incidents can be avoided. Aware of
the importance of such a notification, the Naval Staff again
requested the Foreign Office on 31 Jan. 19^2 to send out the notes
as soon as possible. However, the Foreign Office was willing
to notify only Argentina and Chile. Telegrams to this effect
were sent on 10 Feb. I9I4.2. The Foreign Office took the stand
that those South American oountries which had broken oi f their
relations with us should not be notified and that the German
position concerning the marking of ships was often enough discussed
in the press. The Naval Staff nevertheless suggested a new press
release to this effect. As far as is known here, no such
announcement was made.
2. In the beginning, immediate use of arms against Brazilian
merchant ships was permitted only when they were escorted by enemy
ships, were sending radio or other messages in violation of the
regulations governing the right of prize, or were sailing with
their lights dimmed and could not be Identified as Brazilian
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23 Aug. I9I4.2
vessels. Later incidents in which Brazilian ships were involved
prove that the behavior of our submarines was at all times beyond
reproach.
3. As soon as the Brazilians began to paint their ships
for camouflage purposes and to arm them , pe rmi s s i on to attack at
once any South American ship recognize d as armed was granted
our forces on 15 May I9U2.
]+. Subsequent to the air attacks on Axis submarines off
the Brazilian coast and the official announcement by the Brazilian
Air Ministry that the attacks were made by Brazilian planes, the
Naval Staff asked the Armed Forces High Command Operations Staff
on. 29 May I9I4.2 to authorize the use of arms against Brazilian
naval forces and merchant ships, In accordance with the Fuehrer's
statement that If worst comes to worst no halfway measures should
be used, a large-scale operation was planned, but the plan was
dropped for political reasons. At the same time, the Armed
Forces High Command Operations Staff issued new regulations for
the use of arms against Brazilian ships on 1 Jun. 19l42. The
Foreign Office, which had agreed to these measures as ordered, •
was fully aware that they would in time lead to a state of war
with Brazil. Ambassador Rit ter confirmed this over the tele-
phone as recently as 2 days ago.
5» After the sinking of 5 (five) steamers outside the
Brazilian territorial waters on 16 and 17 Aug. I9I+2, the Foreign
Office asked that our forces refrain from operating against
Brazilian coastal traffic and keep at a distance of about 30
(thirty) miles from the coast. Instructions to this effect
were duly issued.
This statement was made known to the Permanent Representative of
the Commander in Chief, Navy at the Fuehrer Headquarters and to
the Naval Representative on the Armed Forces High Command
Operations Staff so that they are prepared for any eventuality.
For copy see Telegram l/Skl I c 20761j./l|.2 Gkdos. In War Diary, .
Part C, Vol. IV.
Situation 23 Aug. 19)42
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
2. Own Situation ;
No reports have been received from our vessels in
foreign' waters.
All vessels in foreign waters were informed via Radiogram OI3I4.
that we are now in a state of war with Brazil.
Information on the enemy situation was sent out via Radiogram
0652.
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23 Aug. 19U2
II. Situation West Area
1* Enemy Situation ;
In the evening air reconnaissance spotted 6 destroyers
on a southeasterly course and one on a -westerly course west of
Beachy Head. In the morning 20 to 25 steamers with 6 patrol
vessels were proceeding on a southwesterly course off Eastborough.
2. Own Situation ;
Atlantic Coast ;
The ban on ship traffic in the Gironde was lifted.
Channel Coast ;
So far, 2 transports and 5 assault boats which partici-
pated in the enemy operation of 19 Aug. have been brought into
Dieppe. Our coastal batteries fired several rounds on ships
located east of Folkestone between 0019 and 0100 without observing
the effect.
Mine operation "Klara" is scheduled to be carried out in the
night of 25 Aug.
III. North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea ;
Enemy Situation ;
Air reconnaissance spotted 2 northbound convoys of 50
and 25 steamers east of Great Yarmouth. 35 northbound steamers
were located off the Humber estuary and 5 southbound steamers
were located off Flamborough Head.
Own Situation ;
Mine operation "Eleanor" was carried out in the night
of 22 Aug. as planned.
Mine sweeper M "3230" sank off Flushing in quadrant AN 8763
after hitting a ground mine. The entire crew was rescued,
including a number of wounded. Convoy and patrol operations in
the area of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, North proceeded
according to plan.
In the course of daylight incursions of enemy planes into the
Dutch area and the German Bight, 17 demolition bombs were dropped
on Emden, beginning at I309. 8 of the bombs fell on the Nord-
seewerke . The raid caused minor property damage.
2. Norway, Arctic Ocean ;
Enemy Situation ;
5 steamers and 2 corvettes were sighted on a 2l|.0 o
course south of Iceland.
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23 Aug. 19^2
Own Situation ;
At O355 a plane presumed to "be a British seaplane landed
I4. men near Sommaroe on Langoe. One of them was shot, the 3 others
are being searched for. Rubber rafts together with their contents
were seized.
-Th» Commanding Admiral, Norway has granted the request of the
Admiral, Vilest Norwegian Coast for removal of 8 to 10 anti-sub-
marine mines type B from the anti-submarine minefield located
on the northern side of the Westby Fjord, 20 that the cruiser
KOENIGSBERG which has been raised keel up can be towed through
to a bay with a sand bottom where she will be turned right side
up.
The weather expedition "Holzauge" has started.
The Admiral, Arctic Ocean informed the naval forces participating
in operation "Wunderland" via radiogram about the convoy en
route from eastern to western Siberia, which is presumed to con-
sist of I), icebreakers and 19 ships according to the report of the
Naval Staff Intelligence Division to Group North.
Referring to this convoy, Group North suggests that operation
"Wunderland" be extended, and recommends the assignment of the
submarines to patrol duty in the east to southeast part of the
area. .
This step is completely in accord with the views
of the Naval Staff which welcomes as especially
gratifying the present energetic response of the
Group with regard to the Siberian convoy.
As suggested, the Admiral, Arctic Ocean extended the operation
in order to intercept the convoy. On the other hand, the thrust
into the Kara Sea will not be carried out for the time being.
Submarine U "355" left quadrant AB 3855 to return to Narvik.
Group North has agreed to the proposal of the Admiral, Arctic
Ocean suggesting that mine operation "Zar" be executed while
operation "Wunderland" is still in progress or directly there-
after. On the other hand, Group North does not consider it
desirable to lay parts of the minefields closer together, as
suggested by the Admiral, Arctic Ocean.
Group North does not agree to the replacement of the KOELN by
2 or 3 more destroyers for carrying out operation "Rasputin",
as proposed by the Admiral, Arctic Ocean. It insists, instead,
on employing the KOELN so that as many mines can be laid as
possible. Group North realizes that in case of bad weather
the operation may have to be broken off and undertaken anew
with destroyers.
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1. , Enemy Situation :
No noteworthy reports have been received,
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23 Aug. 19i42
2. Own Situation :
In connection with the loss of the WURI, the Commanding
Admiral, Defenses, Baltic Sea reports that the explosion occurred
exactly on the prescribed route, and that consequently the captalr
of the ship cannot be blamed for any navigational error. The
Commanding Admiral, Defenses, Baltic Sea assumes that the mines
were British aerial mines with period delay mechanism or aooustlc
mines. Steps have been taken to salvage the cargo. Attempts are
also being made to salvage the ship. For details see Telegram
1715.
Mine operation "Seehund I" in the Gulf of Finland has been
completed. In the course of the operation, motor mine sweeper
R "72" probably ran into the "Seeigel" minefield. The hull of
the vessel is undamaged but the engine is not working. Convoy
operations in the area of the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic
Sea proceeded according to plan without incidents.
V. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation :
A number of submarine sighting reports were intercepted
from the Bay of Biscay, off Cape Hatteras, and off the Brazilian
coast. Also a message was intercepted from a Brazilian radio
station stating that the Brazilian coastal vessel GADIVA was
attacked by a submarine in the same area in which the other 6
Brazilian vessels were torpedoed.
2. Own Situation ;
Group "Loss" is continuing its operation against the
convoy in the North Atlantic (large quadrant AK) . No successes
have as yet been reported.
Submarine U M 98" intercepted a northeastbound convoy off the
American coast in quadrant DC 1352 but was driven off by
destroyers and night planes.
Of the submarines in the South Atlantic , "submarine U"506",
which belongs to the group operating in the Freetown area,
sank 2 tankers of 5,000 to 7,000 GRT in quadrant ET 5328.
I, addition to her previous successes, submarine U "507" ,
stationed off the Brazilian coast, stopped a 6,000 GRT steamer,
which was sailing with her lights completely dimmed out, with
gunfire and then sank her with a torpedo shot. The submarine
also sank the I50 GRT sailing vessel JACYRA.
As far as the vessels sunk off the Brazilian coast to date are
concerned, the submarine stated in reply to an inquiry that
all the vessels involved had been sailing alone and did not
show a flag or neutrality markings. Their defense equipment
and armament have not been asertalned. All attacks occurred
outside the territorial waters. For further discussion of this
issue with the Foreign Office see V»ar Diary, Part C, Vol. VIII.
Further reports are included in the Supplement to the Submarine
Situation in War Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
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CONFIDENTIAL
25 Aug. I9I4.2
3. Special Items ;
On the oocasion of the transmission of the Fuehrer
directive concerning the war against Brazil and Uruguay, the
attention of all submarines is being called in particular to
the necessity of avoiding any incidents whatsoever with
Argentine and Chilean ships and carefully observing any direct-
ives issued in this respect.
The Commanding Admiral, Submarines states that, according to
reports from several submarines, the radar interception sets
installed on -these submarines were used with good success and,
as a result, the submarines were able during the day as well
as at night to escape very dangerous air attacks, such as have
in the past caused serious damage to, if not the loss of , at
least a few of our submarines. These facts clearly show the
importance of these radar interception sets for our submarines.
The Commanding Admiral, Submarines further remarks that the
Naval Staff Communications Division, fully realizing the
actual situation, has attacked the, problem with speed and
efficiency. It was owing to the sweeping special and prompt
measures undertaken by the Naval St>aff Communications Division
that all the submarines scheduled to depart were equipped with
radar Interception sets within an unusually short period of
time. (See Telegram I53O.)
VI, Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity ;
During the day our Air Force carried out reconnaissance
flights and fighter -bomber operations over localities on the
coast. No noteworthy Incidents occurred during the night of
23 Aug.
2« Mediterranean Theater :
The Air Commander, Africa reports that his forces
carried out escort and reconnaissance missions, as well as
free-lance patrol flights.
3» Eastern Front t
All in all, 166 planes were reported shot down on the
eastern front. Reconnaissance flights were carried out over the
Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. A direct hit
was scored during the air raid on the barracks near Eina Bay.
1 Whitley V was shot down west of Brest-Lit ovsk on 22 Aug.
h» Special Items :
The Air Force Operations Staff has somewhat modified
the allocation of mine-sweeping planes (see War Diary 18 Aug.).
For copy see l/Skl 20321A2 Gkdos . in War Diary, Part C, Vol. V,
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CONFIDENTIAL
23 Aug. 191+2
VII « Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean ;
An aircraft carrier of the ILLUSTRIOUS class left dock,
and the CHARYBDIS entered dock In Gibraltar. 3 destroyers de-
parted in westerly direction, while 1 destroyer arrived from the
east. The number of ships in Valletta was apparently unchanged.
No enemy reports have been received from the central and eastern
Mediterranean. Radio intelligence reported that an unidentified
British vessel which received fighter escort from Port Said in
the morning was en route to Alexandria.
The Admiralty has now confirmed the sinking of the submarine
UPHOLDER in the Mediterranean.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean ;
Enemy planes attacked Marsa Matruh in the night of
22 Aug. and Tobruk on 23 Aug. One of the attacking planes
was shot down.
Air reconnaissance observed an enemy minefield consisting of at
least 23 mines at the site of the sinking of the torpedo boat
CANTORE.
A German plane spotted 6 steamers and the wreck of 1 destroyer
In the area between Cape Bon and the Kerkenna Islands. In
reply to an inquiry, the German Naval Command, Italy stated that
it knew about this sinking which occurred some time ago. Other-
wise there was nothing to report.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa ?
Transport of supplies to North Africa was carried out
according to plan. In the evening of 22 Aug. 5 landing craft
from Palermo arrived in Tripoli.
I4.. Area Naval Group South ;
Aegean Sea :
Bad weather hampered the movements of some of the
convoys. According to an intelligence report from Cairo, the
British are said to have postponed their attack on Crete till
September.
Black Sea »
Enemy Situation ;
Radio intelligence reports that in the morning the
cruiser KRASNY KRIM, the flotilla leader KHARKOV, and 1 destroyer
were located at an unidentified position at sea. The Fleet
Command is still in the Batum area. 2 destroyers were located
in the area between Novorossisk and Sukhum, and 6 vessels,
probably submarines, were looated in the western part of the
Black Sea.
In the evening of 22 Aug. air reconnaissance sighted 1 steamer
and 2 tankers in Novorossisk, 2 steamers and 5 patrol vessels
on a southeasterly course between Tuapse and Sukhum, and
^28i|-
CONFIDENTIAL
23 Aug. I9I4.2
1 submarine 85 miles east of Yalta.
Own Situation ;
' In the night of 22 Aug. the 1st PT Boat Flotilla en-
countered no ships off Tuapse except for patrol vessels, hut
observed many southbound vessels moving in columns on the
coastal route.
J4 vessels of the 3rd Motor Mine Sweeper Flotilla departed from
Constanta in the evening of 22 Aug. and arrived at Balaklava
at noon on 23 Aug. The flotilla spotted an enemy minefield
3.5 miles south-southwest of Balaklava.
On 22 Aug. 18 Army Siebel ferries and 2 motor fishing smacks
were brought over from Osipenko to Mariupol where the mine-
sweeping plane arrived the same day. The force is scheduled
to start operations off Yeisk Immediately and to sweep the route
between Mariupol and Yeisk. The transport of supplies from
Taganrog to Azov proceeded without incidents. So far, 380
meters of the unloading pier in Yeisk have been completed.
The work is being continued.
Special Items:
The Naval Staff Operations Division Is vigorously
backing the request of Group South for transport tonnage ,
and for the establishment of a naval supply depot on the
Caspian Sea with the Naval Staff Quartermaster Division,
VIII. Situation East Asia
No noteworthy reports have been received,
IX. Army Situation
1« Russian Front :
Army Group A t
The Rumanian 3rd Army has penetrated into Temryuk.
The V Army Corps reached the vicinity of the railway curve
northwest of Novorossisk. Novorossisk is under fire from
our guns. Our forces in the Maikop area are being regrouped.
Parts of the 1st Mountain Division reached the region north
of Klydzh. A bridgehead was established across the Baksan
River west of the town of Baksan.
The 3rd Panzer Division pushed forward across the undamaged
Leningrad Canal bridge toward the south and crossed the rail-
road line east of Mozdok at various points. No incidents
occurred during the advance of the LII Army Corps toward the
southeast.
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CONFIDENTIAL
23 Aug. 191+2
Army Group B :
Parts of the southern pincers operating against
Stalingrad pushed forward as f a r as the railroad line on berth
sides of the Tinguta station. In the north, the 6th Army
advancing in southeasterly direction crossed the railway line
between Stalingrad and Frolovo and reached the Volga River
on 23 Aug. at 1700. Thus, the attack on Stalingrad is entering
its crucial phase.
Central Army Group ;
Enemy attacks on the front south of Sukhinichi con-
tinue. All forces had to be thrown in to ward off persistent
enemy attempts southeast and north of Rzhev to widen the
penetration.
Northern Army Group ;
The enemy succeeded in driving another wedge into
the positions of the SS Police Division southeast of Leningrad.
No noteworthy fighting occurred on the other sectors of the
Northern Army Group. .
2. Finnish Front ;
No fighting of importance was reported.
3. North Africa ;
In the night of 21 Aug. our positions southwest of
El Alamein were subjected to heavy artillery fire. Enemy
reconnaissance and air activity was as usual. German tanks
were increased to 220 and Italian tanks to 2lt-2.
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24 Aug. 1942
Ttftmn of Political Importance
Great Britain:
Food Minister Woolton declared that the British need not fear a
serious food shortage, but that they will have to tighten their
belts.
According to press reports, the British trade unions seem to have
decided to relax their policy aiming at complete exclusion of
Communists. 13 Labour Party deputies in the House of Commons, all
the deputies of the Independent Workers' Party, and numerous other
leading figures have issued an appeal dealing with the war and
peace objectives and demanding the establishment of a Socialist
Great Britain as part of the Socialist States of Europe whioh are
to be expanded into a Socialist World Commonwealth.
India :
A diplomatic source reports that the arrest of Gandhi and the Con-
gress leaders, and the abolition of the Congress Committee have
temporarily thwarted the civil disobedience movement. On the other
hand, since the radical circles, which favor solving the problem
by use of force, now have a free hand, no one at this moment can
foresee what course events are going to take. It v ie quite pos-
sible that the Congress leaders will enter into negotiations with
the Government of India.
4
Sweden :
According to a diploraatio source, the Swedish Foreign Office an-
nounced that up to now it has unfortunately been unable to determine
conclusively that the steamer LILJEVALCH was torpedoed by Russian
submarines. However, the Swedish Navy believes that it has suc-
ceeded in sinking 2 or 3 Russian submarines.
South America :
In a message to that country, Roosevelt welcomed Brazil's declara-
tion of war. The press in Argentina, Chile, and Portugal expreseee
sympathy for Brazil's position.
Conference on the Situation with the Chief. Naval Staff
I. According to the report by the Chief, Naval Communications
Division, the naval communications service worked perfectly during
the enemy landing at Dieppe. The new alarm signal for enemy land-
ings was used with good results. Unfortunately, the industry has
too many orders on hand to be able to produce these signals and
the equipment required for their firing in quantities sufficient
to equip all naval, Army and Air Force stations on the coasts at
once.
The Chief, Naval Communications Division discusses also the favor-
able reports about the use of radar interception sets on submarines.
He refers in this respect to the report of the Commanding Admiral,
Submarines as recorded in War Diary 23 Aug. Actually, the use of
^287-
CONFIDENTIAL
34 Aug. 1942
radar interception sets is to be considered a mere expedient. The
ultimate goal should be the establishment of a ground organization
for determining the exact position of enemy vessels. The Navy
is working on this problem. In this connection it is neoeesary to
negotiate with Spain.
Reports have also been received about satisfactory results aohieved
with anti-radar devices on submarines in the case of 2 enemy de-
stroyers.
II. The Chief, Naval Staff Quartermaster Division reports about
the request of the Commander, Destroyers for the creation of the
4th Destroyer Flotilla. The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division is
inclined to disagree with the request. The Chief, Naval Staff,
however, decides that the Commander, Destroyers should first state
his views once more.
III. The Chief, Naval Ordnance Division discusses details concern-
ing the Navy in connection both with the conference notes of the
General of Engineers at the Army High Command and with the direotive
of the Armed Forces High Command regarding the Fuehrer's order for
development of coastal fortifications.
IV. Captain Wagner from the Naval Construction Division reports
on the visit of the Minister for Armaments and War Production to
the Wilhelrashaven shipyard. On that occasion the Minister said
that he would have to report to the Fuehrer that he is unable to
supply the required 8,400 skilled workers for the shipyards. The
Navy will have to be satisfied with foreign labor. Gauleiter
Saukel has already received instructions to this effect. On the
same occasion it was established chat the Navy Yard at Wilhelmshaven
already employs about 25$ foreign labor; whereas Staatsrat Blchm,
who was present at the conference, admitted in answer to the Ship-
yard Superintendent, Wilhelmshaven that his own shipyard employs
only about 16$ foreign labor. Minister Speer suggested further-
more that the quality of the technical personnel be improved by
advancing higher officials without regard for seniority - a step
which is already under consideration by the Armed Forces High Com-
mand.
V. The Chief of the Underwater Obstacles Branch, Naval Ordnance
Division reports that rack mines are now released in urgent cases
for use in operations areas up to a depth of 250 meters. They
will not be released for general purposes before the results of
the test undertaken somewhere in the Atlantic are known.
In a Restricted Circle:
VI. The Chief of the Foreign Affairs Section, Naval Staff Opera-
tions Division reports about the Naval Staff's position with re-
gard to the question of the use of arms against Brazilian vessels,
as recorded in War Diary 23 Aug. For further discussion of this
issue see War Diary, Part C, Vol. VIII.
In a Very Restricted Circle:
VII. The Chief, Operations Branch, Naval Staff Operations Division
reports on the plans of Group North in connection with the minefield
situation in the Arctic Ooean and on the progress of operation
"Wunderland".
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CONFIDENTIAL
24 Auft. 1942
VIII. The 'Chief of Staff, Naval Staff di s cusses the question whether
the outbreak of war v/Ith Brazil makes it suitable to assign those
submarines which were scheduled to operate off Cape Town to opera-
tions off the Brazilian coast. The Naval Staff believes that the
Cape Town operation should be carried out as planned and that 4
of the -submarines, which will become ready for action at a later
date, should be reserved for operations off Brazil, if necessary.
The Chief, Naval Staff is of the same opinion.
IX. The Chief, Naval Staff Operations Division suggests postponing
the award of an oak leaf cluster to the ICnight's Cross to the com-
mander of ship "28" for the time being; instead Commander von
Ruckdeschell should be promoted to captain and av/arded the German
Cross In gold. The same decoration should be awarded to the com-
mander of ship "10" when the ship arrives in Japan. The Chief,
Naval Staff agrees.
For copies of these requests see l/Skl 20867 and 20868/42 Gkdos.
in War Diary, Part B, Vol. V.
Special Items :
I. According to the report of the Chief, Naval Intelligence Divi-
sion, Uruguay's declaration of war on the Axis powers was not com-
municated to the Axis In any way and was mentioned only in a,few
enemy radio reports. It is positive that no such declaration has
been issued so far. Uruguay's attitude will not be determined
until today's special session of the Cabinet.
Also the Armed Forces High Command Operations Staff reports that
the state of war with Uruguay is not yet a fact.
The Naval Staff has instructed the Commanding Admiral, Submarines
and Group West accordingly.
The Naval Staff's belief that the Armed Forces High
Command was better informed about the matter has
thus proved unfounded. Of course, the Naval Staff
could not expect the Armed Forces High Command to
make such an error.
II. The Naval Attache in Tokyo reports that the Japanese Navy
asked the German Air Attache in Tokyo to use his influence to have
2 German planes assigned to direct air traffic between Japan and
Germany. The Naval Atta-che was asked to support the request.
The Nnval Staff has an undeniable Interest in the
establishment of such a direct air route. The
matter, however, primarily concerns the political
authorities and the Commander in Chief, Air Force.
III. On the basis of information received up to 15 Aug. 1942 the
Naval Intelligence Division, Foreign Merchant Marine Branch has
submitted a report about the convoy and unescorted vessel routes
in the Atlantic. As for the South Atlantic , the report contains
the same facts as recorded in War Diary 17 and 21 Aug.
As anticipated, the Halifax route in the North Atlantic continues
to run somewhat to the north because of the . season. It 3s confirmed
-289-
CONFIDENTIAL
24 Aug. 1942
that incoming ships use the northern part of the route and outgoing
vessels the southern part.
The convoy situation in the Western Atlantic presents a clearer
picture than before.
2 convoy routes for the American coastal traffic have been definitely
ascertained: one between New York and the Florida Strait, the other
between Trinidad and the* Florida Strait. It is not yet known
whether both routes continue further in the Gulf of Mexico.
In addition to these ooastal routes, convoy traffic is also being ■
maintained between Aruba or Trinidad and Halifax, evidently for
bringing oargo to or carrying cargo from the shins using the Halifax
route.
For report and map see l/Skl 20993/42 Gkdos. in War Diary, Part 0,
Vol. I.
IV. The Chief of the Communications Intelligence Branch, Naval
Staff Communications Division has made a survey of the distribution
of Russian naval forces as of 20 Aug. 1942. For copy see l/Skl
29123/42 geh. in War Diary, File "Barbarossa".
Situation 24 Aug. 1943
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation ;
South Atlantic :
According to an intelligence report, 2 large Anglo-
American convoys carrying troops and materiel for the Caucasian
front waited in Freetown to see whether the attempted crossing of
the Mediterranean would be successful, and are now being sent off
via Cape Town.
If this report is based on absolutely reliable
enemy information, it would greatly contribute to
a correct estimate of the actual objective of the
convoy force recently shattered in the Mediterranean,
It would be useful not only to check these facts
but also to obtain a definite answer to the ques-
tion of whether the convoy consisted of 31 or 12
merchant ships.
According to a report from Duala, both Victoria and Duala are
blacked out, and there are mines in the Murabo River.
Indian Ocean :
According to an intelligence report, there are constantly
about 100 ships based in Aden for the India traffic.
Pacific Ocean :
Another Brazilian tanker, the SANTA MARIA, is reported to
have passed through Punta Arenas heading for the Paoific on 15 Aug.
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• COITFIi^ITTIAL
24 Aug. 1942
2. Own Situation:
waters .
L T o reports have been received from our vessels in foreign
For the report of the German Armistice Commission, France on the
positions of French convoys and merchant ships see Telegram 1120.
>
>
II. Situation 'west Area
1. E nemy Situation ;
According to a report of 22 Aug. of the Italian naval in-
telligence service, from a generally well-informed source, the
British intend to make a landing on the coast of unoccupied France
on 26 Aug. and to undertake, if possible, a simultaneous operation
against the Spanish coast on the Bay of Biscay.
As a matter of principle, the enemy should never be
suspected of any such blunt error as pushing France
and Spain on our side by forcing them to abandon
their present non-committal attitude, which holds
opportunities in either direction. Both the London
and the Washington Governments must very well know
that at the present stage of the military situation
they would encounter serious resistance in both
countries and would merely play into our hands if
all the men, merchant tonnage, warships, and any
other war potential of these two countries situated
on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean became avail-
able for our military purposes. This would immed-
iately relieve us of having to make considerable
concessions in solving the political problems that
appear so difficult at the present moment.
From this point of view the report* appears absolutely
untrustworthy. (Tr. II.: The last sentence of this
paragraph originally read as follows: "If we
evaluate the Italian report very critically - and
this is probably unjustified - it might be considered
whether Italian ant i -Axis circles, which undoubtedly
exist, mistake the situation to such an extent that
they believe Italy could be brought to the side of
the Allies by an Allied invasion of southern France
and Spain." This sentence was crossed out and re-
placed by the following marginal note signed by
V/agner on 31 Aug.: "Not likely. It is more likely
that the report was inspired by concern of the
Italians that a situation might arise with which
they are unable to cope. For this reason the sen-
tence has been crossed out.").
Air reconnaissance over the Channel observed lively convoy and
steamer traffic, as well as mine-sweeping operations off Hastings.
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CONFIDENTIAL
24 Aug. 1942
2. Own Situation ;
Atlantic Coast ;
Nothing to report.
Channel Coast ;
Mine operation "Klara" was executed during the night of
23 Aug. During the operation, the center of the minefield was
under long-range covering fire between 0540 and 0550. At 0553
the 10th Motor Mine Sweeper Flotilla and the escort forces had an
engagement with enemy forces. 2 motor gun boats were set afire.
I enemy motor gun boat blew up after having been set afire. Radio
intelligence confirms the destruction of the vessel. At 0627 a
detonation was heard at the northern end of the new minefield.
From the shore one vessel with a funnel was observed to break into
flames, blow up, and sink after hitting a mine. For the brief
battle report of the commander of the motor mine sweeper force see
Telegram 1630. For the report about the mine operation see Tele-
gram 1655. It is certain that the enemy is aware of the minefield,
since our ships were located accurately and there was an engagement
with enemy forces during the mine-laying operation.
The 2nd group of the 5th PT Boat Flotilla failed to sight any
vessels during its patrol tour in the early morning of 24 Aug. For
brief report of the 5th PT Boat Flotilla see Telegram 1100.
The assertion made in the first reports about the enemy landing
near Dieppe on 19 Aug., that 1 British steamer landed at the outer
jetty, proved incorrect after further investigation. For the cor-
responding telegram from Group West to the Naval Staff, which con-
tains also further details about the part played by naval units
in repulsing the landing, see File "Enemy Landing at Dieppe on
19 Aug. 1942".
II boats of the 2nd and 4th PT Boat Flotillas are scheduled to
carry out a mine operation on the southeast coast during the night
of 24 Aug. During the same night PT boats S B 78 n and S "115" are
scheduled to transfer from Boulogne to Rotterdam.
III. North Sea. Norway. Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea ;
Enemy Situation ;
Nothing to report.
Own Situation ;
Mine operation "Fuenfte Kolonne" has begun.
2 ground mines were swept off Borkum. Convoy and patrol operations
in the area of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, North proceeded
according to plan*
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CONFIDENTIAL
34 Aug. 1942
3. Norway. Arctic Ocean :
Enemy Situation ;
Air reconnaissance spotted 5 steamers and 5 escort ves-
sels lying off Archangel, and one 2,000 GRT steamer proceeding in
the direction of the harbor 60 miles off Archangel.
Own Situation ;
Norway ;
The equipment unloaded by the enemy plane on Langoe Island
consists of 3 rubber rafts and 2 radio transmitters. The search
for the 3 men who escaped has failed so far.
On 22 Aug. the Russian battery on the Rybachi Peninsula fired at
Nurmansaetti and at the approach to Petsamo harbor without causing
any damage. In spite of search gear, hydrophones and plane sup-
port, subchase in the Feiestein-Lister area was unsuccessful.
Transport and convoy operations proceeded according to plan. The
steamer KERKPLEIN, from the transport group carrying Russian war
prisoners, was put in quarantine in Kirkenes on suspicion of typhus.
The Commanding Admiral, Norway has issued directives for the release
of battle instructions for coastal batteries. For copy of message
to the Naval Staff Operations Division see l/Skl 20769/42 Gkdos.
in War Diary, Part C, Vol. X.
Group North has agreed to the proposal of the Commanding Admiral,
Norway concerning the removal of the UMB mines from the minefield
in the Westby Fjord. The gap will be refilled after the KOENIGSBERG
has been towed through. Group North also agrees to the laying of
5 single-row anti-submarine minefields in the area between
Kristiansand South - and Stavanger, as proposed by the Commanding
Admiral, Norway, and requests the Naval Staff to authorize the
operation (see Telegram 1823).
In connection with this mine project, the Fleet suggests that mine-
fields 1, 2, 4, and 5 be laid at a distance of at least 2.5 to 3
miles both from the inner and the outer routes, and that minefield
3 not be laid. To assure the necessary freedom of movement, the
Fleet demands that the mines be laid at a depth of at least 15
meters. (See Telegram 2105.)
Arctic Ocean ;
The Admiral, Arctic Ocean supplements his directive for
extension of operation "Wunderland" (see War Diary 23 Aug.) with
the remark that it is not meant as an inflexible order, and that
the thrust into the Kara Sea may be oarried out if circumstances
promise success.
Mine operation "Zar H was started in the evening. The route for
the mine sweeper ULM corresponds to the departure route of the
SCHEER up to 78° N, 40° E. From there on, the vessel is to change
to an easterly course in order to mine a large area bounded by
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CONFIDENTIAL
34 Aug. 1943
75° N, 55° 35» E; 75° N, 53° E; 76° 30« N, 53° E; 77° 30' N, 63° E.
Beginning at 1300 on 37 Aug. no vessels are permitted to pass througi
this mined area.
Air reconnaissance reports that on 23 Aug. the waters on the west-
ern coast of Novaya Zemlya were free of ice and the Matochkin Shar
was covered with drift ice. A 30 to 50 km. wide drift ice zone was
observed off the eastern coast of Novaya Zemlya, while the rest of
the Kara Sea, as well as the Kara and Yugor Straits, were free of
ice. It has not been established whether ships can pass through
the Matochkin Shar.
Group North expects all unacoorapanied steamers proceeding from the
British Isles to the east to carry valuable cargo, which means that
it would pay to send comparatively strong forces against these
steamers, particularly since the system of using unaccompanied
vessels for the transport of enemy supplies is undesirable and
makes the sinking of such Bhips imperative. The Naval Staff is of
the same opinion.
The Naval Staff has asked Group North to investigate how the as-
signment of 3 Finnish submarines to the area of the Admiral, Arctic
Ocean would affect the problem of bases and supplies, and what ar-
rangements would have to be made concerning command.
Group North has ordered that all submarine commanders be informed
of the experiences made with convoy PQ 18. For telegram to Naval
Staff see l/Skl 30825/43 Gkdos. in War Diary, File "Eispalast".
IV. 3kagerrak. Baltic Sea Entrances. Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
3. Own Situation :
The Finnish steamer ELSE struck a mine and sank off
Vesborg (Samsoe). A mine-detonating vessel swept 1 ground mine
6 miles north of Swinerauende.
Minefields "Seehund I" and "Seeigel XXI" were laid in the Gulf of
Finland according to plan. During the laying of minefield "Seeigel
XXI", 11 enemy vessels were sighted, including 3 large motor mine
sweepers or patrol vessels. Two explosions were observed, ac-
companied by big columns of fire which later changed into a glow.
It is therefore assumed that 3 vessels were destroyed in the
"Seeigel II" minefield.
It Merchant Shipping
On the basis of data about the Spanish shipbuilding industry
supplied by the Naval Intelligence Division, Foreign Merchant
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CONFIDE NTIAL
34 Aug. 1942
3. Norway. Arctic Ocean ;
Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance spotted 5 steamers and 5 escort ves-
sels lying off Archangel, and one 2,000 GRT steamer proceeding in
the direction of the harbor 60 miles off Archangel.
Own Situation :
Norway :
The equipment unloaded by the enemy plane on Langoe Island
consists of 3 rubber rafts and 2 radio transmitters. The search
for the 3 men who escaped has failed so far.
On 22 Aug. the Russian battery on the Rybachi Peninsula fired at
Nurmansaetti and at the approach to Petsamo harbor without causing
any damage. In spite of search gear, hydrophones and plane sup-
port, subcha8e in the Feiestein-Lister area was unsuccessful.
Transport and convoy operations proceeded according to plan. The
steamer KERKPLEIN, from the transport group carrying Russian war
prisoners, was put in quarantine in Kirkenes on suspicion of typhus.
The Commanding Admiral, Norway has issued directives for the release
of battle instructions for coastal batteries. For copy of message
to the Naval Staff Operations Division see l/Skl 20769/42 Gkdos.
in War Diary, Part C, Vol. X.
Group North has agreed to the proposal of the Commanding Admiral,
Norway concerning the removal of the UMB mines from the minefield
in the Westby Fjord. The gap will be refilled after the KOENIGSBERG
has been towed through. Group North also agrees to the laying of
5 single-row anti-submarine minefields in the area between
Kristiansand South and Stavanger, as proposed by the Commanding
Admiral, Norway, and requests the Naval Staff to authorize the
operation (see Telegram 1823).
In connection with this mine project, the Fleet suggests that mine-
fields 1, 2, 4, and 5 be laid at a distance of at least 2.5 to 3
miles both from the inner and the outer routes, and that minefield
3 not be laid. To assure the necessary freedom of movement, the
Fleet demands that the mines be laid at a depth of at least 15
meters. (See Telegram 2105.)
Arotic Ocean :
The Admiral, Arctic Ocean supplements his directive for
extension of operation "Wunderland" (see War Diary 23 Aug.) with
the remark that it is not meant as an inflexible order, and that
the thrust into the Kara Sea may be carried out if circumstances
promise success.
Mine operation "Zar H was started in the evening. The route for
the mine sweeper ULM corresponds to the departure route of the
SCHEER up to 78° N, 40° E. From there on, the vessel ie to change
to an easterly course in order to mine a large area bounded by
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24 Aug. 1942
3. Eastern Front ;
89 enemy planes were shot down on the Army fronts. In
the night of 24 Aug. 21 Ju 88»s attacked Archangel. Big fires were
observed.
VIII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation. Mediterranean :
In the night of 23 Aug. the ILLUSTRIOUS-class aircraft
carrier left Gibraltar with 4 destroyers for the Atlantic. Of
the large warships, the CHARYBDIS and the NIGERIA are still in
dock in Gibraltar. In the afternoon a convoy consisting of 8
steamers, 2 corvettes, and 2 gunboats entered Gibraltar from the
west. According to an intelligence report from Spain, an un-
identified warship has been patrolling the waters 12 miles off
Cape Tres Forcas since 0700.
Submarines were sighted off Naples, off the Strait of Otranto,
and off the African coast north of Has el Tin. In the latter case,
the purpose might have been to reconnoiter the minefield.
At 2130 air reconnaissance sighted 2 westbound vessels, probably
destroyers, about 40 miles west -northwest of Alexandria. At 1330
radio intelligence intercepted a message from a plane reporting
an aerial torpedo attack on a submarine some 100 miles north-
northeast of Marsa Matruh without any observed hit.
2. Own Situation. Mediterranean ;
Nothing to report.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa ;
Transport of supplies from Italy and Greece and coastal
traffic proceeded according to plan.
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea :
No incidents occurred during the convoy and mine-sweeping
operations.
The tanker ALBARO was unable to depart from Piraeus for the
Dardanelles because of rudder damage.
Black Sea ;
Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance observed 5 steamers, 1 tanker, and a
number of PT boats in Tuapse on 23 Aug. In the Tamanskaya Bay
numerous small vessels were observed in north-south shuttle traffic.
The oruiser KOMINTERN and 1 destroyer were sighted on a southerly
oourse in the Sukhum area. 1 tanker and 2 steamers esoorted by 1
destroyer and 2 patrol vessels were seen departing from Tuapse.
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24 Aug. 1942 .
Own Situation ;
The Italian subchasers which were sent into aotion off
Novorossisk in the night of 23 Aug. sighted no enemy vessels. On
22 Aug. motor mine sweepers swept 1 moored mine off Mariupol.
In the afternoon of 23 Aug. an enemy submarine attacked and sank
the tug ANKARA from the southbound convoy off the Bessarabian coast
near Cape Burnas. The other vessels of the convoy entered Sulina
toward midnight. The anti-submarine chase undertaken by a Rumanian
gunboat appears to have been successful. Otherwise convoy opera-
tions proceeded as planned. 4 landing craft are en route from Linz
to Sulina. PTboat S "26" is proceeding from Linz to Galatz.
5. Special Item s:
(1) See Telegrams 1035 and 1335 for preparations by
Group South in order to provide a port commander for Astrakhan and
to effect a prompt transfer of naval motor boats from Azov to the
Caspian Sea, as well as for measures to defend Astrakhan with
coastal artillery and river mines.
(2) Group South points out that since mid-April our
submarines have been making a much more extensive use of the
Salamis base than originally planned. The result is that neither
the requirements of the submarines nor the repair needs of the
vessels under the. Commanding Admiral, Aegean Sea can be met in
a satisfactory way. This situation can only be remedied either
by restricting the demands on the shipyard to one vessel at a
time or by increasing the capacity of the shipyard to an extent
whioh would meet the actual needs. Group South believes that the
latter alternative would be more in line with the actual situation.
The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division will take care of the matter,
(3) On 13 Aug. the Naval Shore Commander, Crimea re-
ported on the progress of work on the installation of batteries
x of the 601st Naval Coastal Artillery Battalion. 7 batteries total-
ling 21 guns have been installed in Yalta, Ivanbaba, Genichesk,
Feodosiya, Ak Mechet, Komuna Initsyativa, and Ak Burnu. The two
last-mentioned batteries were emplaced early enough to participate
effectively in the artillery attaok by all German coastal batteries
in the Kerch Strait area on 8 Aug, The assignment of crews for
theBe batteries has exhausted, to the last man the personnel of
the Naval Shore Commander, Crimea. It is planned to install 4
more batteries, i.e., battery Cape Kany (north of Kerch), battery
\ Balaklava, battery "von der Goltz" with four 20.5 cm. guns on
Xiape Kherson near Sevastopol, and battery Sevastopol on the southern
outlet of the Severnaya Bay.
IX. Situation East Asia
Nothing to report.
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24 Aug. 1942
X. Array Situation
1. ' Russian Front :
Army Group A ;
The Rumanian 3rd Army broke the last enemy resistance in
Temryuk and established a bridgehead over the Kuban River west of
Temryuk. The western group of the V Army Corps is fighting a heavy
battle against the enemy's intensified defense of Novorossisk. The
hills west of the town were taken in bitter hand-to-hand fighting.
Enemy air activity over the entire Army area, concentrating on
Novorossisk, is so intense that our artillery is at times forced
to cease firing. Enemy troops facing the XLIX Mountain Corps were
reinforced south of the Klydzh. According to prisoner statements,
2 enemy mountain divisions are committed to the defense of the val-
ley. The 1st Panzer Army extended the bridgehead at Baksan and
repelled enemy attacks on the bridgehead near I.Iaisky. The 3rd
Panzer Division mopped up the remaining enemy forces at Mozdok
and was likewise subjected to particularly heavy air attacks. The
LII Army Corps advanced further to the .southeast without encountering
any enemy forces. A long-range patrol force effectively destroyed
the railroad line between Astrakhan and Kill a north of Rastolye.
Army Group B :
The large-scale attack against Stalingrad is being car-
ried on despite continued stubborn enemy resistance. The enemy is
maintaining strong pressure on the Italian position on the Don
River, with the result that the left wing of the Ravenna Division
has collapsed. A counterattack is under way.
Central Army Group :
In the area south of Sukhinichi a large-scale enemy attack
launched after the heaviest artillery preparation collapsed under
an especially effective attack by our planes. East of Vyazma, the
enemy succeeded in penetrating deep into the position of the 292nd
Infantry Division after several of his previous attacks had been
repulsed.
Particularly heavy fighting developed in the course of the battle
near Rzhev. After a period of quiet, the Russian 30th and 31st
Armies opened a heavy barrage the like of which has never before
been experienced. This was followed by attacks on our positions
near Zubtsov, and north of Rzhev v/ith superior tank and infantry
forces proceeding in tightly closed columns under strong air sup--
port. The enemy penetrated into our lines at several points. After
bringing up every available reserve, our forces launched a counter-
attack. The heavy battle is still in progress.
Northern Army Group ;
South of Staraya Russa our troops repelled tank- supported
enemy attacks launched times in succession. New attacks on
Byelibor were likewise beaten off. Southeast of Leningrad the
enemy forced our troops to withdraw their front.
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24 Aug. 1942
2. Finnish Front :
Lively enemy patrol and assault troop activity was re-
ported from all fronts.
3. North Africa :
No noteworthy reports have been received.
ft************************
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25 Aug. 1942
Items of Political Importance
Brazil's entry into the war : Brazil's note to Germany will not
proclaim actual warfare between the two countries but merely the
existence of a state of war; this is meant to indicate that Brazil
wants to wage a defensive war only.
Subtle differentiations of this sort can, of course,
not alter the fact that an unrestricted state of war
actually exists.
A special meeting of the military representatives of the 21 Ameri-
can Republics on the Pan American Defense Committee accepted a reso-
lution sponsored by Ecuador which expressed solidarity with Brazil.
In this connection, the Chilean; representative deolared that his
country could not remain silent' or indifferent toward the destruc-
tion of Brazilian ships and would continue its loyal and effective
support of the policy of continental solidarity.
In accordance with the stipulations of the Rio Conference of Febru-
ary 1942, so far Uruguay, Peru, Argentina, and Chile have announced
that they consider Brazil non-belligerent.
In connection with the Moscow conferences it is learned from
diplomatic sources that General Voroshilov has been named Com-
mander in Chief of the Caucasian front on the basis of the talks
betv/een Churchill and Stalin. Turkish diplomatic circles, which
are the source of this report, believe that the Moscow conferences
were concerned chiefly with Anglo-American aid for the Caucasus
front and with the establishment of a front in the Near East.
Churchill returned to London on 24 Aug. In view of the secrecy
surrounding all matters connected with the visit to Moscow, the
Dally Herald voices a vigorous protest against Churchill's secret
policies.
France :
Marshal Petain commented enthusiastically to a German diplomat on
the successful defense of Dieppe and also predicted a very favor-
able development of the war. He does not doubt that the German
Army will reach Baku and the mouth of the Volga River and thus
achieve victory over the Soviet Union, although the capture of the
Caucasus might meet with major difficulties. Great Britain can be
conquered only by an invasion of the British Isles. If this
happens, the U.S.A. will withdraw from England and will no longer
be interested in a continuation of the war.
In Darlan's opinion the British may make similar landing attempts,
possibly even on a larger scale, during the fall. In the east,
however, the fate of the Soviets will be sealed by the capture of
Stalingrad and the seizure of the Volga mouth. In the Caucasus,
Germany must be prepared for the intervention of Anglo-American
forces. Suez represents the key position of enemy operations and
of the collapsing British Empire; its capture is therefore of de-
cisive importance for Germany.
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25 Au
Portugal :
The German Minister reports from Lisbon that British propaganda is
beginning to take effect against Salazar due to the growing dissat-
isfaction of labor circles caused by economic tension.
Reports from consulates of neutral countries assyrt unanimously that
communist activities have greatly increase'' in d If ferent parts of
the U.S.A., for instance "in Virginia. For details see Political
Review No. 19G, paragraph 7a.
Conference on the Situation with the Chief , Naval Staff
I. The Chief, Naval Staff Communications Division reports that the
"Kirschbluete" has taken 45 cases of communications equipment back
to Japan. The appreciable quantity of shellac and mica brought by
the submarine upon German request will be very useful for the con-
struction of- such equipment in Germany. The Chief, Naval Staff
orders that these supplies of scarce material be stored by the Navy,
with the provision that the most urgent requirements of other
branches of the Armed Forces are to be satisfied.
II. The Chief, Naval Staff Quartermaster Division reports that the
Naval Construction Division has suggested that the French cruiser DE
GRASSE, now in an unfinished condition at St. Nazaire, be completed
as an aircraft carrier. The ship is particularly suitable for this
purpose on account of her design and her high speed. The Chief, Na-
val Staff orders that first of all the practical aspects be investi-
gated.
III. The Chief, Naval Staff Quartermaster Division further reports
on the progress made with the new Norwegian batteries. On this
occasion he rejects the unjustified reproach of the General of the
Engineers, Norway that the heavy batteries are insufficiently pro-
tected. The Chief, Naval Staff orders that the Fuehrer be informed
at the next opportunity about this matter.
IV. The Chief, Foreign Affairs Section, Naval Staff Operations Di-
vision reports on the Japanese refusal to accept the war prisoners
taken by German auxiliary cruisers prior to an agreement regarding
the cost. The Naval Staff's standpoint is that this matter has to
be settled somehow by the Foreign Office. The Naval Staff must in-
sist that the war prisoners be taken over in every case without
delay.
In a Very Restricted Circle :
V. The Chief, Naval Staff Operations Division reports on the
account of the German Admiral at Rome concerning his relations with
the Commanding General, Armed Forces, South; the latter arranged
with General Cavalloro the organization of an A_ir Force Liaison
Staff of 3 members attached to the Italian Admiralty without notify-
ing the German Admiral, When the German Admiral, Rome protested,
Field Marshal Kesselring agreed to comply with the demand that the
Liaison Staff be placed under the authority of the German Naval
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CONFIDENTIAL
25 Aug. 1942
Command, Italy on condition that the Navy assigns a qualified Ad-
miral Staff Officer exclusively' to the Liaison Staff, Since the
Italian Admiralty feels it must comply v/ith the directive of the
Italian High Command, the Naval Staff believes that the stipula-
tion will have to be met. The Chief, Naval Staff shares this
opinion and deplores the fact that the German Admiral and his Chief
of Staff were not able to avoid this clash with the Commanding
General, Armed Forces, "South. He orders that the name of a candi-
date suitable for the assignment be submitted.
The Chief, Naval Staff Operations Division also reports that Field
Marshal Rommel . was taken sick so that he may not be able to con-
tinue in command.
His absence just at this time would leave a gap
very hard to fill.
Special Item
The Commander in Chief, Navy appointed the Chief, Naval Staff Com-
munications Division, as his special deputy for radar and anti-
radar for the entire Navy.
For the directive M 562/42 of the Commander in Chief, Navy see
l/Skl 20585/42 Gkdos. in War Diary, Part B, Vol. V.
Situation 25 Aun. 1042
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation ;
North Atlantic :
According to an intelligence report from Portugal, 15
British steamers unexpectedly had to unload their cargoes destined
for England at Gibraltar and to proceed empty to Freetown. 3 ships
at Lisbon received a similar order..
South Atlantic :
A badly garbled message of the Roar Admiral at Freetown of
5 Aug. reveals a British belief that submarines and not a German
auxiliary cruiser are operating in a certain area which could not be
made out. The submarines are assumed to be cooperating v/ith a
supply ship located south of Las Palmas. This communication is con-
nected v/ith the reports caused by the appearance of ship "28" in
the Gulf of Guinea.
Indian Ocean :
Radio monitoring intercepted in the East Indian area
several urgent operational radio messages flashed from the British
Isles to Colombo. On 23 Aug. a submarine warning was broadcast
for the area 80 miles north of Ceylon.
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25 Aug. 1942
2, " Own Situation :
The operations of our auxiliary cruisers overseas showed
the following results for the summer period:
Ship "28": 9 vessels totalling 60,262 GRT
ShJ.p "10": 10 vessels totalling 56,037 GRT
Ship "23": 4 vessels totalling 22,000 GRT
DOGGERBANK: 3 vessels totalling 16,667 GRT
Total: 26 vessels totalling 154,966 GRT
Not included in these figures are 3 ships of 21,000 GRT and the de-
stroyer tender HECLA which struck mines in the Doggerbank minefields,
but the sinking of which was not confirmed.
Mainly for its psychological effect on the crews of the auxiliary
cruisers the Naval Staff proposes that the following be inserted
into the communique of the Armed Forces High Command or released
as a special communique:
"German auxiliary cruisers operating overseas accounted for 26 ships
totalling 154,966 GRT during the summer 1942."
The Naval Attache at Tokyo transmits the last part of the excerpt
from the log of ship "28" ending on 25 Jun. The entries deal. with
experiences with the shipborne plane and contain also a demand for
the enlargement of the deep freeze units.
The Japanese Liaison Officer communicates that the Japanese are
planning naval operations in the Indian Ocean and he therefore re-
quests that the operations zone of German auxiliary cruisers be
limited between 10 Sep. and the end of the year to an area de-
fined by the following points :
a. 35° S, 60° E; 30° S, 70° Ejj 30° S, 100° E; 50° S, 100° Ej
50O S,60° E.
b. West of 60° E and south of 40° S.
Should still larger Japanese operations develop in the Indian Ocean
area, the Japanese Admiralty would request a further reduction of
this zone, though this would be only temporary. The Japanese Navy
claims all the rest of the Indian Ocean as far as Capetown for its
operations.
The Liaison Officer reported also having learned from a conversa-
tion with the captain of the "Kirschbluete" that Japanese cruisers
and destroyers probably made an unsuccessful advance beyond the
Cocos Islands in a southwesterly direction.
The Liaison Officer further reported in strictest confidence that
the Italians had approached the Japanese with a plan to operate
a submarine in South African waters; the Japanese, however, refused.
Enemy situation report by Radiogram 0312.
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CONFIDENTIAL
25 Aug. 1942
II. Situation West Area
1« Enemy Situation ;
The investigation of reports from Italian sources about
British plans for landings in southern Prance and northern Spain,
which v/as conducted by our Armed Forces Intelligence Service in
Spain, proved completely negative. The Intelligence Service does
not believe in the probability of an operation at the northern
Spanish coast.
The Naval Attache &-t Lisbon reports unconfirmed rumors about a
British intention to stage -further raids on the French coast.
The Naval Attache at Buenos Aires transmits information originat-
ing from captains of British ships; according to them Scotland,
particularly Glasgow, is the center of British military activities,
not London. The captains believe that Headquarters of the British
Admiralty and of the Royal Air Force are in Glasgow. 'About 6 weeks
ago a few thousand so called invasion barges are said to have been
transferred from Scottish to southern English' harbors, mostly to
Eastbourne and other places near Plymouth. Also special Diesel
tugboats were transferred at the same time. Each tug tows 5 or 6
barges which have small motors themselves. The captains figure
that major operations will take place as soon as the autumnal fogs
set in.
2. Own Situation ;
Atlantic Coast :
The roadstead of La Pallice v/as closed on account of
suspected mines. A ground mine v/as swept in Quiberon Bay.
With reference to Group West's demand for regular strong escorts
of outgoing blockade-runners as far as 18° W (see War Diary 21
Aug.), the 3rd Air Force replied that the momentary weakness of the
forces at its disposal does not permit the assignment of the de-
sired number of escorts.
Channel Coast ;
PT boats S "78'* and S "115" transferred to Rotterdam
according to plan. The 2nd and 4th PT Boat Flotillas were en-
gaged by enemy destroyers while and after executing their mine-
laying assignments; the missions" were carried out. For short re-
ports of the flotillas see Telegrams 1005 and 1055.
III. North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea:
Enemy Situation ;
The British Admiralty announces an attack on 4 German
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CONFIDENTIAL
25 Aug. 1942
anti-aircraft ships by British PT boats which took place in the
evening of 24 Aug. off Flushing; one of the German ships was hit
by a torpedo and sank.
Own Situation :
Patrol boats "1304", "1309", "1310", and "2008" had a
brush with British motor gunboats In quadrant AIT 8738 lasting
from midnight to 0227. 2 .enemy motor gunboats were reported sunk.
Our vessels dodged 3 enemy torpedoes. Our casualties consist of a
few wounded; the vessels suffered no damage. For battle report see
Telegram 2140.
Mine-sweeping planes swept 2 and mine-exploding vessels 4 ground
mines.
Special mission "Fuenfte Kolonne" was carried out according to
plan. 2 more mines were swept on the approach routes. Convoy and
patrol service! _'_ proceeded on schedule.
2.
Norway and Arctic Ocean :
§
Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance sighted 5 medium-sized steamers, 1
destroyer, and 2 patrol vessels off Archangel which proceeded on a
southeasterly course in the western channel; also 2 single ships
were spotted. On 24 Aug. 4 destroyers, 2 of them under construc-
tion, 5 escort vessels, and 28 steamers were observed at Archangel,
while 4 escort vessels and 5 steamers were spotted outside the
harbor.
60 to 70 fishing vessels were sighted north of Iceland.
Own Situation :
During the afternoon of 24 Aug. an eastbound convoy
was attacked with 2 torpedoes by an enemy submarine south of •
Kiberg; both torpedoes missed. During a subsequent subchase the
submarine was probably destroyed on 25 Aug.
A Russian battery on the Rybachi Peninsula fired on an eastbound
convoy and on the Petsamo harbor area on 24 Aug. without causing
damage •
The submarine chase on the west coast was continued in quadrant
AN 3167. Enemy planes operated over the north and west coast
during the day and the night of 24 Aug. Convoy service proceeded
uneventfully.
The Commanding Admiral, Fleet and his staff aboard the HELA
transferred temporarily on 26 Aug. to Germany. The Commanding
Admiral, Cruisers as ranking naval commander in the north area
takes his place in the meantime. (See Telegram 1520.)
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CONFIDENTIAL
25 Au~. 1942
As reported by the Commanding Admiral, Norway, the construction
of an anchorage for large vessels at the eastern shore of Kaa
Fjord would not serve the purpose, because anti-torpedo nets do
not stand up in the rough waters there. Investigation is under
way as to whether the anchorage could be shifted to the western
shore.
Submarines U "255'* and U "456" are reconnoitering the area to be
mined in operation "Zar".
Submarine U "435" picked up the "Knospe" expedition and is return-
ing to Narvik. The boat found the area north of Spitsbergen ab-
solutely free of ice.
Results of air reconnaissance in the Archangel area (see Aerial
Warfare) are transmitted to the participants of operations
"Wunderland" and "Zar" by the Admiral, Arctic Ocean.
En route to operation "Zar" mine layers were reported by submarine
U "488" in quadrant AD 9835 as "unidentified ships". Beyond any
doubt a case of dangerous neglect to inform ships at sea adequately,
Nothing has. yet been heard from operation "\7 under land".
IV. Sk^errak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation :
Finnish reconnaissance reports sighting gunboat KRASNOYE
SNAMYA on 24 Aug. in the northern bay of Lavansaari.
2.
Own Situation:
The German steamer PETER VON DANZIG (850 GRT), carrying
a cargo of gravel struck a mine off Samsoe and sank. This in-
dicates the presence of mines with time delay mechanism, since
this route is checked frequently, ^he same applies to the mine
struck by the transport V/URI. As a consequence of this loss and
the experiences had on the occasion, Group North requested the
Shipping and Transport Branch of the Naval Staff Quartermaster
Division to set up an organization which would permit quick iden-
tification of personnel involved in accidents of troop transports.
Ground mines were swept near the spot where the PETER VON DANZIG
sank.
Nothing to report from the area of the Commander, Mine Sweepers,
Baltic Sea.
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25 Aug. 1942
-■i_> i
V^ Submarine Warfare
1, Enemy Situation ;
Air reconnaissance intercepted an RRR signal of the
Norwegian steamer WASHINGTON EXPRESS (3,543) from approximately
480 miles southeast of Newfoundland.
2. Own Situation :
8 submarines en route from Germany are combined to form
group "Vorwaerts" in the North Atlantic and are ordered to assume
positions on a patrol line extending from quadrants AK 3765 to
AK 6629. The group will operate against convoys from the British
Isles to America.
Bad weather forced abandonment of operations against the convoy
in quadrant BD. The results achieved so far consist of:
A 7,000 GRT steamer sunk and 2 steamers of 6,000 GRT and 3,000 GRT
torpedoed by submarine U "138".
A 6,000 GRT steamer torpedoed by submarine U "176" and a medium-
sized steamer probably sunk by U "605".
In adjacent waters a single steamer of 12,000 GRT w as sunk in
quadrant AK 9454 by submarine U "604".
The boats operating on the U.S. east coast had no successes to
report. Group "Bluecher" spotted a convoy probably convoy SL,
In quadrant DH 1543 and is now operating against it.
In the area off Freetown submarine U "130" sank steamer VIKING
STAR (6,445 GRT) in quadrant ET 6446.
For further reports see supplement to submarine situation in
War Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
VI. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity :
A few of our planes made nuisance raids on coastal
places during 25 May and the following night.
The enemy penetrated during the day into Germany and damaged
several industrial plants in the Cologne district.
2. Mediterranean Theater ;
Nothing to report.
\
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25 Aug. 1942
3. Eastern Front !
In 2,787 sorties we lost 5 planes and shot down 100
enemy planes. Reconnaissance flights in the Black Sea and the
Caspian Sea. In the Arctic Ocean the Varlamovo airfield was
attacked by 14 Ju 88' s with observed good results.
Special Items :
In view of the expected commissioning of aircraft carriers the
Air Force General attached to the Nerval High Command has ordered
the organization of the necessary units. For the GRAF ZEPPELIN
a group staff with 3 multi-purpose groups, 2 carrier-borne
fighter groups including torpedo planes, and .a ship-based air
command is to be organized by 1 Mar. 1943; a replacement group
with group staff, one multi-purpose squadron, and one fighter
squadron is to be organized by 1 May 1943.
Considering that this is a new field as far as the Air Force is
concerned and that it is necessary to channel all experiences
gathered by the carrier-borne air forces to a single agency,
evaluate such information, and send it directly to the zones of
operation, it has been suggested that the office of an advanced
training commander for carrier-borne forces be created at the
Air Force Operations Staff.
VII. V/arfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
The Italian Consul at Oporto sent an agent report ac-
cording to which extraordinary military activity is going on at
Gibraltar, which seems to indicate that the British plan a land-
ing at an undisclosed place. The date named for this operation
v/as 26 Aug'. This report evidently originates at the sar.e source
as the one reported on 24 Aug. by the Italian Naval Intelligence
Division. (See War Diary 24 Aug.)
The German Naval Command, Italy takes the following stand*
"Although it must be expected that the British are planning op-
erations which are motivated by military considerations alone,
the operation mentioned is considered very unlikely because It
lacks a strategic goal and because its political repercussions,
particularly in the event of a failure, would be too grave."
This conclusion conforms to the opinion of the Naval Staff as ex-
pressed on 24 Aug.
According to an intelligence report from Spain, a Spanish steamer
reported sighting an aircraft carrier and 7 destroyers at 36° ILy
7° W proceeding on a southerly course and 16 steamers headed for
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CONFIDENTIAL
25 Aug. 1942
the Strait of Gibraltar at 0900 of 24 Aug. This evidently re-
fers to the aircraft carrier which sailed from Gibraltar during
the night of 23 Aug. and to the convoy which arrived there in the
afternoon of the same day, although only 8 incoming steamers were
reported.
Prom another intelligence report from Spain it is learned that
lively air activity was observed on 25 Aug. over the Portuguese
south coast and extending as far as Gibraltar.
No other news of importance was received from the entire Mediter-
ranean.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean ;
Enemy planes attacked Marsa Matruh, Tobruk and the harbor
of Corfu in the evening and during the night of 24 Aug.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa :
Supply transport from Italy and Greece to North Africa
and North African coastal traffic proceeded according to plan
and without major incident.
*
Volume of goods unloaded at Tobruk on 23 Aug. amounted to 544 tons,
on 24 Aug. 1,045 tons; at Marsa Matruh 307 tons on 23 Aug. and 245
tons on 24 Aug.
4
4. Area Naval Group South ;
Aegean Sea ;
Tanker CELEN0 had to put into Mudros harbor on the
Way to the Dardanelles on account of engine trouble. Otherwise
supply transports and convoys in the Aegean Sea proceeded ac-
cording to plan.
The Admiral, Aegean Sea requests urgently that the number of •
Spanish steamers be augmented, since they proved v,ery useful for
Crete shipping and are safe from submarines. Group South supports
this proposition urgently.
The matter will be taken up by the Shipping and Transport Branch
of the Naval Staff Quartermaster Division*.
Black Sea :
Enemy Situation :
Lively submarine activity was observed by radio monitor-
ing; altogether 21 submarines were located, 8 of them in the
western Black Sea. The Fleet Commander was at sea in the Batum
area at noon. Air reconnaissance established in the morning of
25 Aug. that 2 more steamers had entered Novorossisk and also
sighted a convoy sailing from Tuapse in a southeasterly direction.
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25 Au/t. 1942
According to the Naval Attache at Istanbul, a well-informed source
reports that great quantities of provisions, ammunition and fuel
are stored at Batum to supply the Russian fleet in the event that
the Caucasian ports must be evacuated,
Ovvn Situation :
The fact that 17 Russian mines and cutter floats were
swept by the Crimean^ minesweeper detachment proves that the closed
area west of Sevastopol was Sriined. A mine-sweeping plane swept 2
mines off Yeisk. 3 anti-torpedo barrages were laid off Ivanbaba.
Supply transport and convoy shipping proceeded according to plan
without major incidents.
Submarine DELFINUL is to be ready for operations by 1 Sep.
VIII. Situation East Asia
The Naval Attache at Tokyo reports the situation in the
Solomon Islands unchanged. Enemy supply operations which were
carried out at first only by submarines are now executed by
destroyers and steamers, too. An enemy destroyer was sunk on
22 Aug. by Japanese destroyers which penetrated into Lungarodo
Bay.
At 1430 on 24 Aug. an enemy force consisting of 1 battleship,
2 aircraft carriers or auxiliary carriers, 6 cruisers, and 12
destroyers v/as attacked by Japanese carrier-borne planes south-
east of the Steward Islands. Fires were observed on both air-
craft carriers, which are of a type unknown thus far to the
Japanese Navy. The Japanese allegedly suffered no losses.
IX. Army Situation
1. Russian Front ;
Army Group A :
The 3rd Rumanian Army captured the peninsula west of
Temryuk. A Rumanian cavalry division, advancing in a southerly
direction, crossed the Kuban River at Protskaya. The enemy at-
tacked the spearheads of our advancing V Army Corps and was re-
pulsed in bitter hand-to-hand fighting. Southwest and south of
Krasnodar enemy counterattacks launched from the mountains were
also repulsed. Our operations in the mountains are progressing
steadily against occasionally stubborn enemy resistance.
Army Group B :
The battle for Stalingrad continues. At the juncture
of the Khoper and Don Rivers the western flank of the XVII Army
Corps suffered a setback due to further withdrawal of the Italian
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25 Aug. 1942
forces. Our reserves have been thrown into battle.
Central Army Group :
All enemy attacks In the area south 'of Sukhinichl were
repulsed, partly through counterattacks. We succeeded In hold-
ing— our positions in the Rzhev area. Enemy preparations for re-
newing his attacks were dispersed by artillery fire.
Northern Army Group :
Enemy attacks southeast of Schluesselburg and south of
Leningrad were smashed before they could get under way.
2» Finnish and North African Fronts :
Nothing to report.
>
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26 Aug. 19l|2
Items of Political Importance
Concerning the Shipping Problem ;
The Times • published a survey of submarine warfare in the western
Atlantic and particularly off the North American coast, stating
that the ships sunk still exceed those newly built. This should
Impress the Allies' with the fact that the battle of the Atlantic
is one of the vital ope rati dni of the war.
Great Britain ;
On 22 Aug. Churchill declared in a press conference at Cairo
that Great Britain is determined to fight for Egypt and the
Nile River estuary as if they were England's own soil.
Efforts of British trade union leaders to merge American, British
and Russian unions and labor organizations failed completely.
For details see Political Review No. 199, paragraph 3c
U.S.A. ;
Reuter reports from Washington that a new Lend Lease Agreement
between the U.S.A. and Great Britain is about to be announced.
Corresponding agreements with Australia and New Zealand are in
preparation. A new agreement had to be drawn up because U.S.A.
forces in British territories must be supplied.
Roosevelt invited the Prime Ministers of South Africa and Australia
to Washington.
According to a diplomatic report based on the travel impressions
gained by a neutral authoritative source, the personal advisers
to the President are playing the most important role in the U.S.A.
next to Roosevelt. These men have dictatorial powers over the
matters under their control. Hatred of Japan, enemy no. 1, is
said to be beyond description and ineradicable. Germany merely
has to be cured of her pathological craze for conquest. In order
to crush Japan, the war in Europe must first te finished by
exploiting the full war potential. Economically the country is
going through a tremendous boom period.
Uruguay ;
According to Reuter, the Government denied that Uruguayan
planes participated in an attack on Axis submarines as was
reported from Rio.
Russia ;
According to the German Legation at Helsinki the Finnish envoy
to the Vatican transmitted the following views of his Japanese
colleague;
1. Russia's offensive power is broken.
2. The war in Russia will end during the month of October with-
out a formal peace.
3. The U.S.A. is Japan's enemy no. 1 and all forces must be
concentrated against her.
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26 Aug. I9I+2
I4.. Japan can aaalat her allies solely by harassing enemy
supply traffic*
5. The U.S.A. will concentrate her forces on Germany first, '
and will attack Japan only in 19^5 •
6. Japan is not interested in a prolonged European war.
The Finnish Envoy concluded that the Japanese Envoy wanted to
make him understand that a Japanese offensive against Russia
is not imminent.
The fact that points 3 and 5 coincide with the
views expressed in the previously mentioned
diplomatic report about the U.S.A. is noteworthy.
According to reports from military circles in London, General
Auchlnleck will become Commander in Chief of an Anglo-American
Army which will operate jointly with the Russians in the
Caucasus. The principal objects of the Allied Forces in Iran
and Iraq under General Wilson are to protect the supply routes
to the Russian Caucasus Army and to organize the British and
U.S. defense south of the Caucasus.
Turkey ;
According to the official German News Agency (DNB), the President
emphasized In a speech the cautious Turkish attitude toward <
both of the belligerent parties.
Special Items ;
I. The Chief, Naval Staff is at the Fuehrer Headquarters for
a report.
For his report and the Fuehrer's decisions see l/Skl I b 663/14-2
Gkdos. Chefs, in War Diary, Part C, Vol. VII.
Of particular interest ; The Fuehrer refused to grant the requested
permission for operations by cruiser SCHEER in the Atlantic during
the winter.
II. Due to past experience in naval reporting, particularly that
of 19 Aug. during the Dieppe raid, the Naval Staff makes the follow-
ing request of Naval Groups West, North and South, the German
Naval Command, Italy, and the Fleet: Until the revised regulations
concerning the Navy's reporting system are issued, the above com-
manders are requested to take whatever steps are necessary to speed
up transmission of observations and reports.
For copy of this directive see l/Skl I a 20616A2 Gkdos • in War
Diary, Part B, Vol. V.
III. After investigating the possibility of using planes
systematically in order to make cruiser warfare against merchant
shipping safer and more effective, the Naval Staff Operations
Division reached the conclusion that future developments must
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26 Aug. 19i;2
aim, not at a cruiser equipped with ship-borne planes, but at
an aircraft carrier with adequate armament. During subsequent
discussions of the relative merits of battleships and air craft
carriers, the Naval Staff Operations Division states that it is
too early to say that possible future developments in planes
jeopardize the usefulness of the heaviest and costliest battle-
ships. The tasks of the two types of ships must be clearly differ-
entiated, and further developments in ship construction must be
undertaken with this in mind. The battleship Is for combat
with guns, the ai-rcraft carrier for operations involving planes.
A detailed analysis by the Planning Branch, Naval Staff Operations
Division which will serve as a basis for future discussion of this
problem is contained in War Diary, Part B, Vol. V.
Situation 26 Aug. iql+2
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
2. Own Situation ;
No reports were received from our ships in foreign
waters.
Enemy situation report by Radiograms 02ll| and l829»
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation !
An Intelligence report from Portugal reveals that 3
British steamers escorted by a corvette left the Tejo River mouth
during the night of 25 Aug. in a southerly direction. On 25 Aug.
a steamer under Panamian flag left Lisbon for Durban.
Air reconnaissance sighted 30 steamers on a northeasterly course
proceeding in the forenoon in the waters southwest of Ireland.
2. Own situation ;
Atlantic Coast :
Nothing to report.
Channel Coast ;
A group of the 38th Mine Sweeper Flotilla was bombed
and strafed by enemy planes off Gris Nez shortly after midnight.
Otherwise nothing to report.
Special Items :
a. The Commander, PT Boats reports that 2 additional PT boat
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26 Aug. 191+2
crews can only be assigned to the 1st PT Boat Flotilla, in order
to permit the commissioning of 2 more vessels which he himself
considers -necessary, at the expense of the flotillas operating in
the west area. 5 vessels of the 6th PT Boat Flotilla will
probably have been overhauled by the middle of September and
another 3 vessels by 25 Sep. The Commander, PT Boats reports fur-
ther that the defensive tasks in the west area require that the
5th PT Boat Flotilla remain in the Channel area proper (Cherbourg),
and that consequently again only 9 to 12. boats of the 2nd and
14th PT Boat Flotillas will be available in the principal zone
of operations, the Hoof den area. The Commander, PT Boats there-
fore requests, that he be permitted to use the vessels of the
6th PT Boat Flotilla from Ijmuiden in the Hoofden area as they
become ready. Preparations for transfer of this flotilla in case
of unforeseen developments in the Gulf of Finland continue. '(See
Telegrams 1135 and 1205* )
b. Group West welcomes the plan of the Commander, Destroyers
to assign torpedo boats T "17", T "18", and T "19" to the 5th
Torpedo Boat Flotilla in the west area. (See Telegram 2330.)
c. Maps of the British General Staff captured during the Dieppe >
raid reveal that the enemy was so well acquainted with the location
of our flanking anti-invasion barrages in the Channel that his
landing barges were routed directly through the gaps. The British
operations plans were worked out on 16 Jul. The minefields
traversed, by the enemy were not laid until 20 to 22 Jul. at a
alight distance from the planned location. Announcements of- the
closed areas by the Admiral, French Coast were made on 13, 20 and
21 Jul., generally speaking after the enemy plans had been worked
out. It must thus be strongly suspected that the enemy learned
on 16 Jul. at the latest of the plans which Group West made known
to the Naval Staff only on 17 Juil This assumption necessitates
a renewed check and intensification of all security measures and
requires, in addition, that the minefield gaps be closed. This,
by the way, has already been suggested by the Commander, PT Boats,
too, for different reasons.
Group West receives a corresponding directive -by the Naval Staff,
with copies to Group North and the Counter Intelligence Section
of the Intelligence Division, Armed Forces High Command. For
copy of order see I E I653/I+2 Gkdos. Chefs, in War Diary, Part
C, Vol. VI.
III. North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea :
Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
2. Own Situation :
An enemy air attack on one of our convoys north of
Ameland was repulsed at 23IO of 25 Aug.
On 26 Aug. mine -exploding vessels and harbor defense boats
, -515-
CONFIDENTIAL
26 Aug. 19 42
swept 9 ground miner, in the 3orkum area, and a nine sweeper and a
nine-sweeping plane each swept one more off Zeebruegge. Enemy
reconnaissance in the afternoon over the coastal area of the
German Bight .
British radio broadcasts on 22 Aug. reported that 14 Danish trawlers
were captured, probably at the Doggerbank, and the Danish llavy
Ministry had word that a Danish cutter was sunk on 18 Au"3» in
quadrant AN 3757 supposedly by a British destroyer; in view of these
reports Group North requests that the Operations Staff, Air Force
be asked to have the 3rd and 5th Air Forces reconnoiter the Dogger-
bank area more frequently and to direct them to destroy oil fish-
ing vessels encountered beyond the areas assigned to German and
neutral fishing vessels. The Group expects that these measures
will restrain the activities of enemy warships and protect the
German fishing industry.
The Naval Staff is following this matter up.
2. Norway :
Enemy Situation :
The Armed Forces Intelligence Service transmits a
communication of the Reich Central Security Office of 26 Aug.
concerning a report from a reliable agent and member of the
Polish resistance -movement according to which a British-American
landing attempt is to be made in Norway between 28 Aug. and
3 Sep.
Own Situation :
On 22 Aug. and 15 Aug. a Russian battery on Rybachi
Peninsula fired unsuccessfully at German westbound convoys
and also at the Army Coastal Battery "454" where it scored a
hit on the barracks. •
The Commanding Admiral, Fleet sailed on board the HELA from
Trondheim in a southerly direction with escort vessel F "1"
and motor mine sweepers R "64" and R "58".
A submarine chase in quadrant AN 3161 was unsuccessful. Convoy
service proceeded according to plan.
The Commanding Admiral, Norway reports that because of the
depth of the' water it is impossible to lay the minefields south
of minefield 1 and off Lister, as proposed by Group North (see
War Diary 24 Aug.). Submarines will have to be combatted in
these areas by permanent subchaser patrols. The Commanding
Admiral, Norway suggests 2 additional minefields in the Feie-
stein area, namely a minefield 3a between minefields 3 and 4
and a minefield 6 north of minefield 5. The Commanding Admiral,
Norway cannot agree with the objections of the Commanding Admiral,
Fleet (see War Diary 24 Aug.) with regard to the location of the
minefields and the latter ' s suggestion for a new anti-submarine
barrage off Stavanger and refers in this connection to the war
experiences of the Naval Staff Operations Division outlined in
its pamphlet "Mine-laying* Tactics No. 10". For details see
Telegram 1810.
Because of the transfer of the 6th PT Boat Flotilla from the
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26 Aug. I9I4.2
Norwegian area to Germany, the Naval Staff Operations Division
demanded on 28 Jul. that tender LUEDERITZ serving as radio relay
station be replaced at once by a land relay station or by another
vessel. Following study of this request by the Chief, Naval
Communications Division, on 26 Aug. ,> the Fleet Branch of the Naval
"Staff Quartermaster Division assigned the METEOR to take the
place of the LUEDERITZ. The latter can be withdrawn only after
the METEOR is ready to sail. It is still being investigated
whether the task could be taken over later on by the Vardoe
radio station.
• The Naval Staff Operations Division regrets to
state that the LUEDERITZ has not been released,
as was urgently demanded^ even though a month has
elapsed.
3. Arctic' Ocean ;
Enemy Situation :
Radio monitoring intercepted a report from a British
ship sailing approximately 105 miles south of the South Cape
at 18 knots, course 2J4.5 , that she was being followed by a
shadower.
At O9I4.5 air reconnaissance sighted 3 British destroyers in quadrant
AB 3855 proceeding at 15 knots on a 270° course. Submarine U "88"
reported the same destroyers in quadrant AB 39^5 on an easterly
course disappearing from sight. An inquiry resulted in the state-
ment that the enemy's last reliably established course was south-
westerly and that the reported easterly course was based on
assumption. At 1025 air reconnaissance reported 1 cruiser and
2 destroyers on a westerly course in quadrant AB 373&. It; * s
not clear whether these reports refer to a single or to 2 different
forces.
At IOI4.5 air reconnaissance sighted 5 steamers and 3 escort vessels
on a northerly course at the White Sea entrance.
The radio intercept service of the Air Force intercepted an order
of the Air Force Commander of the Arctic Fleet to the 95th Air
Force Regiment calling for air protection of a convoy and for
escort forces consisting of 2 destroyers and 1 escort vessel;
this convoy which sailed at 1800 on 25 Aug. is expected, to be at
700 58' N,f|8 13' E on 27 Aug. It is to be picked up by the air
escort at dawn on 26 Aug.; the destroyers are to be escorted on
their return voyage. Bduvaya Guba was mentioned as the point of
departure or destination of the convoy.
Own Situation :
The Naval Staff Operations Division assumes for the
time being that a convoy sailed at 1800 on 25 Aug. from Bdushya
Bay, and it will be at 700 58' N^ 03 ' B (sic, Tr.N.) on 27 Aug.,
and relays this assumption to Group North and the Admiral, Arctic
Ocean, adding that no further information is available. (See
Telegram 2338.)
The Commanding Admiral, Norway points to the possibility that the
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26 Aug. 19i+2
announced convoy is Identical-. with the one sighted at the White
Sea entrance at IOI4.5 • Further investigation is required.
Submarine U M 209" reported that ice damaged her periscope -when
she surfaced. Submarine U "255" reported that the Sheranyia
radio station was destroyed on 25 Aug. at OJ4.3O. No radio communic-
ation was observed.
At 23U9 the Admiral, Arctic Ocean directed the ULK to lay the
minefields north of 75° N and east of 63° E only upon special
order so as not to endanger the SCHEER and submarines which are
on their way back; the ULM is to report the receipt of this order
by short signal indicating her position as of 2200 on 26 Aug.
No reports were received from operations "'Sunderland" and "Zar".
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1. Baltic Sea Entrances and Western Baltic Sea :
The German steamer DRAN ran aground off Hesseloe in
the evening of 25 Aug. but was refloated during the forenoon
of 26 Aug. A ground mine was swept at the northern entrance
of the Great Belt by a mine-exploding vessel. On 25 Aug. a balloon
which carried approximately 1/2 cu. m. of explosive was salvaged
in the Kattegat.
A convoy of 5 steamers proceeded from Oslo via Vasa to Jacobstadt
according to plan.
The fact that steamer HEINRICH VON PLAUEN struck a mine south
of Pillau led to the discovery of ground mines there. The threat
from ground mines In Danzig Bay caused Group North to order a check-
sweep of the submarine training areas. For the corresponding
directive to Baltic Naval Command see Telegram 1713* While it is
not possible at this time to increase the number of minesweepers
in the area of the Baltic Naval Command, the latter is advised
to withdraw a few vessels from the western Baltic Sea even though
channel-sweeping operations in that area will be delayed thereby.
2. Eastern Baltic Sea :
Enemy Situation :
A total of 6 submarines were sighted or located by the
radio Intercept service in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland,
Lively activity of PT boats, motor minesweepers and patrol vessels
in the "Seei~el n area as well as the appearance of the KRASNOYE
SNAKYA indicate in Group North's opinion that the submarines are
getting ready for a breakthrough.
According to testimony of war prisoners, torpedo boat T "20I4." and
a minesweeper or patrol vessel were destroyed during the night
of 23 Aug. in the "Seei.pel" area between Vigrund and Tyttersaari.
Finnish air reconnaissance sighted a 10 mile oil slick in mine-
field "Seehund 10"; wreckage and equipment in minefield Ontajaervi,
including a case of Russian explosive cutter charges, were salvaged.
This indicates at least 2 more successes due to mines.
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26 Aug. I9I4.2
Own Situation:
Minefield "Seehund VI" has been laid. Subchaser "1216"
was torpedoed by an enemy PT boat and sank off Vikallagrund. 1
officer and 17 men were rescued.
Convoy and mine-sweeping operations proceeded according to plan.
The Commander, Mine Sweepers reports that the 1st Air Force
has only 9 fighter planes available in the area between Orel
and the Gulf of Finland; they are based on an airfield 220 km
from the Gulf of Finland. Group North requests that at least a
few fighter planes be assigned to the Gulf of Finland if the
land situation permits their transfer.
The Naval Staff is taking up the matter with the Air Force
Operations Staff. Russian planes dropped German language leaf-
lets in the Helsinki area, inciting German sailors to mutiny.
V. Submarine Warfare >
1 • Enemy Situation :
The British steamer PORT JACKSON reports that she was
fired on by a submarine 330 miles southwest of Porcupine Bank.
Otherwise numerous submarine warning signals from the U.S. east
coast and the West Indian waters.
2. Own Situation ;
The operations of Group "Loss" against the convoy in
the central North Atlantic were called off. The submarines
are ordered to take on supplies.
No successes were reported from off the American coast.
In the Caribbean Sea, a 3*500 GRT steamer was sunk in quadrant
EC II96 by submarine U "558".
Groups "Bluecher" and "Eisbaer" are operating against a convoy in
quadrant DH proceeding on a northeasterly course, out of which
steamer CLAN MACWHIRTER (5,9)4.1 GRT) was sunk by submarine U "I56".
Submarine U "I30" of the Freetown group sank steamer BEECHV-00D (i+,897
GRT) in quadrant ET 6715* Secret instructions taken from her
captain concerning the shipping route from Capetown to Freetown
confirm information in the possession of the Naval Intelligence
Division, Foreign Merchant Marine Branch.
No news was received from the Mediterranean.
For additional reports see supplement to submarine situation in
War Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
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26 Aug. 19U2
VI. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity ;
During the day fighter bombers raided Eastbourne.
During the nigh,t pf 26 Aug. 17 planes attacked Colchester, 2
other places near^Dover, and a convoy east of Harwich with un-
determined results.
50 enemy planes penetrated into Germany from the east and reached
the Memel, Berlin, Torgau Gruenberg. Gnesen, Ortelsburg line.
Bombs were dropped on Berlin (Dahlem), Stettin, Koenigsberg, and
Danzig. See daily situation for a report of the damage.
2. Mediterranean Theater :
Reconnaissance and escort activity. Fighter bombers
attacked gun emplacements and motor vehicle concentrations at
El Alamein and Uweisat.
3. Eastern Front :
54. enemy planes were shot down at the various Army
sectors.
Reconnaissance activity in the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea,
also in the Arctic Ocean. For results aee enemy situation
reports under the respective headings.
Special Item : :
The Air Force Operations Staff submits a directive to the Air
Force Group Command, Central Area and the 4th Air Force; it
concerns the transfer on 27 Aug. of a mine-3weeping plane for
temporary use by the 4th Air Force. All necessary arrangements
to be agreed upon directly between the 4th Air Force and Naval
Group South.
I
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the B l ack Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
The cruiser CHARYBDIS sailed from Gibraltar. 2 troop
transports, one of 11,000 GRT, the other of 12,000 GRT, arrived
from a westerly direction with troops under escort of 2 destroyers.
According to latest aerial photos, the ILLUSTRIOUS-class aircraft
carrier seems to be equipped with anti-torpedo nets when at sea.
The German Naval Command, Italy will have the photos reexamined.
Traffic in the eastern Mediterranean was light on 26 and 27 Aug.
according to air reconnaissance.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean :
Tobruk was attacked by enemy planes during the night of
25 Aug. A gasoline supply dump was burned. Light enemy naval
forces shelled the coastal road near El Daba during the same
night.
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26 Aug. 19 1+2
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa ;
It Is "belatedly reported that the convoyed steamers
OSTIA and OLYMPOS were attacked by an enemy submarine 10 miles
north-northeast of Derna on 23 Aug. A subsequent submarine
chase was unsuccessful.
Transports to North Africa from Italy and Greece as well as
coastal supply traffic proceeded according to plan. Italian
submarines are again engaged In coastal supply transports.
1+. Area Naval Group South ;
Aegean Sea ;
Enemy planes attacked the Corinth area. The Canal was
slightly damaged but remained navigable. Aegean convoys proceeded
without interference. The Admiral, Aegean Sea calls the attention
of the Naval Construction Division to the confusion caused by
contradictory orders regarding the 300 shipyard workers for Greece
which were allocated on 8 Apr. I9I4.2, and announces that the
Director of Ship Construction will personally intervene in this
matter In Berlin. on 3 Sep.
The Naval Staff fails to see why the execution
of such a small matter, which Is, however, of
greatest importance to the Navy, should take more
than a year.
Black Sea ;
Enemy Situation ;
Air reconnaissance spotted 3 southbound and a northbound
convoy off the southeast coast. In addition, a heavy cruiser and
2 destroyers were sighted at sea off Poti. No ships were at the
ports of Novorossisk, Gelendzhik, Gagry and Adler, while 1 heavy
cruiser, 1 light cruiser, 5 submarines, 2 minesweepers, the hull
of a heavy cruiser, I4. tankers, and I4. steamers were at Batum.
Radio monitoring revealed 7 submarines at sea, 5 °f them in the
southwestern Black Sea.
Own Si tua tl on ;
On 2I4. Aug. a mine was swept in the outer harbor of Yeisk
by a mine-sweeping plane. The Azov minesweeper group swept a
moored mine outside the shipping lane at the southern harbor en-
trance of Mariupol. A motor barge struck a minefield while* entering
Yalta harbor during the night of 25 Aug.; she rammed and damaged
a pilot vessel. The barge remained afloat and is maneuverable.
Transport convoys in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov proceeded
according to plan. A total of lj.,817 tons was shipped between 2
and 2I4. Aug. from Mariupol and Tanganrog to Azov.
VIII. Situation East Asia
The U.S. Navy Department announces that U.S. naval and air
forces are engaged in a large-scale sea battle. They are
endeavoring to repel strong Japanese forces which have
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26 Aug. 19 1+2
approached the islands southeast of the Solomons from a northerly
direction. A number of hits were allegedly scored on several
Japanese aircraft carriers, cruisers and battleships. So far,
Japanese reports on this action have not been received.
IX. Army Situation
1. Russian Front :
Army Group A ;
Army Group Ruoff continued its advance against partially
strong enemy resistance.
Army Group B t
The offensive toward Stalingrad from the north and south
is progressing according to plan. All enemy attacks were repulsed,
The situation at the breakthrough at the Italian division at the
Don River was restored by throwing in reserves. At Voronezh we
succeeded in dislodging the enemy from most of the suburbs.
Central Army Group ;
Enemy attacks at the Zhizdra River sector, which were
carried out in some places with considerable forces, were re-
pulsed with the effective assistance of our Air Force. In the
Rzhev area, too, all more or less strong enemy attacks were
repulsed. It appears that the enemy Is bringing up reinforcements
and regrouping his forces at this sector.
Northern Army Group :
Enemy attacks on the land bridge to the II Army Corps
were repulsed.
2. Finnish Front :
At the southern wing of the Murmansk front enemy assault
detachments reconnoitered.
5<
North Africa:
The enemy is reinforcing his positions by bringing up
fresh troops. Air activity is lively.
&XX*.t#X*-:'tw**## : *XXii*X%%'A*##
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27 Aug. 1942
Jtems of Political Importance
Great Britain :
Swedish correspondents report that all talk about the second front,
has subsided in London, in spite or because of Dieppe. It is hoped
that British and Amerioan operations in the Near East will help to
-cushion the consequenoes of the Russian defeats, the extreme gravity
of which is realized in London as well as in Washington. The Time s
writes: "Neither the dress rehearsal at Dieppe nor the aerial of-
fensive against the nerve centers of the German war industry were
able to shatter the oonviotion that Britain's military effort is
inadequate while Russia faces her worst crisis.
Aooording to Reuter, the communist paper Daily Worker reappeared
after it had been suspended for 19 months; also the paper The Week
is being published once more.
Franc e :
According to diplomatic reports, large circles are said to be badly
disillusioned as a consequence of the British failure at Dieppe
and the conviction is growing that a final Anglo-American victory
is impossible.
Rumors reaching Stockholm from unoccupied France about an Allied
landing at Dakar on 25 Aug. were denied by Vichy the same day. In
this connection, discussion of Brazil's claims on French Guiana,
instigated by the U.S.A., flared up once more. The Transocean
News Agency reports that the U.S. Charge d' Affaires at Vichy con-
ferred on this problem with Laval.
Portugal:
The Government supplied additional explanations to the German Govern-
ment concerning its note to Brazil. For details see Political Review
No. 200, paragraph 5.
Syria :
The Vichy Telegraphic Service (Ofi) reports that the tension between
British and De Gaulle followers has become more acute.
U.S.A. :
A newly created joint U.S. and Brazilian defense commission is to
coordinate all defensive measures and to take care of equipment,
supply problems and fleet operations.
Secretary of State Hull declared that no change of policy toward
Martinique is planned, nor have new steps been taken with regard
to the removal of the French warships from Alexandria.
Argent jLna:
It is learned from a diplomatic source that a separate division for
national defense has been created within the Foreign Ministry, which
is to cooperate with the two political divisions and with the War
and Navy Ministries. The Government decree by which this new agenoy
is created points specifically to the resolutions and recommenda-
tions made with regard to Pan-American solidarity.
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CONFIDENTIAL
27 Aug. 1942
Brazil ;
The present relations between Japan and Brazil are termed by the
official Japanese press as a "special form of neutrality"; in this
connection it is pointed out that it will depend on Brazil en-
tirely in what direction the relations will develop. Political
circles are under the impression that Japan intends to tread cau-
tiously, and that she seems unwilling to increase the tension be-
tween the two countries.
Chile ;
According to a diplomatic source, the Axis Powers have warned Chile
amicably but firmly that certain recent statements made by its
Government cannot be reconciled with Chile's supposedly 100$
neutrality. The Axis Powers have made every effort to give merchant
shipping in the South Pacific under the Chilean flag all possible
protection, guarantees and concessions, though naturally reserving
all the rights of belligerent nations accorded them by international
law. In replying to -this protest, the Chilean Foreign Minister
reiterated the extremely difficult position of his country and re-
asserted that an attack on the Panama Canal or interference with
shipping in the Paoifio would render it very difficult for Chile
to maintain her neutrality. However, he hopes that the President's
trip to Washington will be followed by a certain letup in foreign
relations; in this connection he expressed the expectation that
reaction might set in against U.S. domination of Chile. Well-in-
formed German circles have little hope that domestic and foreign
pressure on the government will ease.
Uruguay ;
The Foreign Ministry published the following decree:
1. Due to prevailing conditions, the Government of Uruguay
declares its complete solidarity with Brazil. It will consider
Brazil a non-belligerent since she was driven into the oonflict
by Germany and Italy.
-2. In view of the geographic proximity of the two countries,
Uruguay's national defense authority is authorized to seek an agree-
ment with the Brazilian military authorities on all matters pro-
moting effective joint protection against potential attacks.
According to a British radio broadcast, the Government of Uruguay
informed the Brazilian Government that its air and naval bases are
at Brazil' 8 disposal.
Special Items
I. The Wilhelmshaven Armed Forces Intelligence Center transmits
information from a British war prisoner who had served on the
RODNEY. The report contains statements about the RODNEY'S part
in the action against the BISMARCK on 27 May.
For copy see l/Skl 291351/42 geh. in the War Diary.
-321+-
CONFIDENTIAL
27 Aug. 1942
II. Evaluation of information obtained by the radio decoding and
intercept services during the period from 17 Aug. to 23 Aug. is
contained in radio intelligence report No. 34/42 of the Chief,
Naval Communications Division, Communications Intelligence Branch.
With regard to the enemy landing at Dieppe on 19 Aug. , the begin-
ning of this operation was unnoticed since radio silence was main-
tained up to 0628 when the landing proper began.
Considerably more information about Russian radio communications
in the Arctic Ocean has become available.
Situation 27 Aug. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
North Atlantic :
An agent reports sighting's convoy of 17 large U.S.
troop transports under escort of 2 cruisers and 5 destroyers on
19 Aug. on a southerly course 150 miles north of Madeira.
South Atlantio :
According to an intelligence report from Lisbon dated
25 Aug. a large convoy consisting of 2 British and U.S. divisions
is said to have sailed from Freetown on 18 Aug. and is expected
in Egypt about the middle of September in time for the beginning
of another offensive. Up to 21 Aug. this convoy had not yet passed
through the Mozambique Strait.
India:
A Turkish agent reports that a convoy of more than 100
6hips now en route is expected in Suez by the end of August. An
RRR signal from a British steamer was intercepted from 50 miles
southeast of East London, it was subsequently cancelled. The mes-
sage said that "an unidentified warship is not following tne
customary procedure". The Yugoslav steamer SUPETAR was sunk in
the Mozambique Strait. Italian radio intelligence intercepted a
British message, according to which the MADRONO (which has arrived
at Yokohama in the meantime as a prize of ship "10") was either
sunk or captured on 1 or 2 Jul. in the area 20° to 30° 8, 70° to
87° E.
2. Own Situation :
The most important information up to 25 Jun. from the
log of ship "28", which was forwarded by the Naval Attaohe at
Tokyo, was transmitted to all ships in foreign water6 by Radio-
gram 0638.
The sinkings achieved by the auxiliary cruiser were mostly ef-
fected by means of the light PT boat.
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CONFIDENTIAL
27 Aug. 1942
Enemy situation report by Radiogram 0445.
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation :
An intelligence report from Spain relates an agent's re-
port from London of 18 Aug. according to which a large-scale land-
ing operation on the Belgian coast originating from the Thames
and its vicinity is planned for about 15 Sep. 70,000 men will be
involved to this operation, 40,000 of them British volunteers.
It is learned from an Intelligence report of S3 Aug. that convoys
originating in America are 'assembled exclusively in Canada and
that transports from the U.S.A. are sent there, too. At present
2 convoys are being assembled which will first prooeed together
to Iceland, from where one will proceed to the Russian Arctic
ports and the other to the British Isles. According to this
source at least 2 U.S. cruisers, which were previously at Ports-
mouth, took part in the attack on Dieppe on 18 Aug. Portsmouth
is said to be the center for commando operations and the main port
of departure for the second front. More commando undertakings are
said to be planned and to be in preparation now.
2. Own Situation :
Atlantic Coast :
The harbor of La Pallice was reopened. 4 ships of the
3rd Torpedo Boat Flotilla sailed from La Pallice at 1800 to ex-
plore the shipping lanes in the Bay of Biscay.
Channel Coast :
PT boats S "77" and S "81" had an engagement with 6
British motor gunboats from 0255 to 0308 20 miles west of Le Havre
while proceeding from Boulogne to Cherbourg. For battle report
see Telegram 0725. A hit on an enemy boat was observed. At 2310
of 26 Aug. the 36th Mine Sweeper Flotilla shot down one of our own
Ju 88 's between Ostend and Nieuport.
At 0910 30 enemy single and twin engine fighters bombed and strafed
the roadstead of Dieppe. Patrol boat VP "1509" was hit by 2
bombs and towed sinking to Dieppe. A subchaser and another patrol
vessel suffered damage and casualties. 2 of the attackers were
definitely shot down, a third one probably.
III. North Sea, Norway. Arctic Ocean
1. North 8ea :
Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
-?26-
CONFIDENTIAL
27 Aug. 1943
Own Situation ;
Escort and patrol services in the area of the Commanding
Admiral, Defenses, North according to plan, without special in-
cidents. 7 ground mines were swept.
During an enemy air raid on Rotterdam the mine-laying ship COBRA
at the Wilton shipyard was hit by a bomb at the forward end of the
bridge and oapsized.
2. Norway :
Enemy Situation :
According to an intelligence report based on information
from .British diplbraatic circles at Lisbon, a British-American land-
ing on the Norwegian coast between Narvik and Murmansk is expected.
It is anticipated that 5,000 British and American planes will at-
tack Germany by October.
Own Situation :
Nothing to report.
3. Arctic Ocean :
Enemy Situation :
The order issued to the 95th Naval Air Force Regiment
which was intercepted by the Air Force intercept service (see War
Diary 26 Aug.) was studied once more by the Chief, Naval Communica-
tions Division, Radio Intelligence Branch and is now interpreted
as follows:
The 95th Naval Air Force Regiment of the Russian Arctic Fleet, as-
signed to convoy escort duty in Gorlo Strait at the end of July, was
notified at 2300 on 25 Aug. that 1 patrol vessel and 3 ships
thought to be freighters left an unidentified port at 1800 on 25
Aug., and that 2 destroyers sailed from another unidentified port,
bound for Beluyava Guba (Novaya Zemlya) . The route of the convoy
would be from the Kanin Nos lighthouse to Beluyava Guba. speed
18 knots. 2 destroyers would accompany the convoy to 70° 58' N„
48° 03' E (sic., Tr. N.) where they would arrive at 1100 of 27 Aug.
and then return with 25 knots speed. The planes are to escort the
convoy from dawn of 26 Aug. up to this point and thereupon escort
the returning destroyers due to arrive at the lighthouse, probably
the one on the east coast of Kola Peninsula, at 0100 on 28 Aug.
The plausible version of the report is transmitted to Group North
and the Commanding Admiral, Norway.
At 0730 air reconnaissance sighted 1 steamer, 1 patrol vessel and
3 lighters in Khabarova Bay (south of Novaya Zemlya). On 26 Aug.
radio monitoring intercepted a message of a Russian radio station,
probably that of Kanin Nos, according to which 5 freighters and
3 minesweepers passed the station at 1650 on a northeasterly course
and v/ere lost from sight at 2025 proceeding on the same course.
According to radio intelligence, 6 to 8 British ships were located
during the day and the night in the southern part of Gorlo Strait
and in the Archangel area.
-527-
CONFIDENTIAL
37 Aug. 1942
Reconnaissance by planes south of Novaya Zeralya did not sight enemy
forces.
Own Situation :
The situation analysis by Group North at noon of 27 Aug.
considers among others also the possibility that the outbound convoy
reported by the Air Force radio intercept service might be a de-
parting PQ convoy. In this connection Group North refers to the
British shiDS located in Gorlo Strait by radio monitoring. Tha
Naval Staff believes that convoy PQ 18 is not en route. In the
meantime several single ships on an easterly course were located
in the area east of Bear Island; in view of their positions and
course it may be assumed that they are heading- for Archangel from
the west. There is no indication where the 5 steamers reported
off Archangel came from. It is possible, though, that these ships
come from northern Siberian ports, but there is also the possibility
that they are transferring from Murmansk to Archangel. It is un-
likely, however, that the ships are a convoy bound for Archangel
from the west.
For Group North's situation analysis see Telegram l/Skl 21119/42
Gkdos. in file "Wunderland".
The Commanding Admiral, Group North gave permission to the Admiral,
Arctic Ocean to start operation "Wunderland" the evening of 27 Aug.,
provided there are no important reasons against it. At the same
time the task force of the Commanding Admiral, Cruisers was placed
on 3-hour readiness.
No reports were received about operation "Zar". The order issued
to the ULM to report her position is inadvisable, in view of the
SCHEER operation.
Special Items :
a. In the Naval Staff's opinion, weather stations should be
maintained in areas not regularly surveyed by air or naval forces
only if other circumstances afford them a certain degree of pro-
tection, for instance if they are ice-bound as was the oase in
earlier similar undertakings. This possibility does not exist,
however, in the case of Bear Island, which is ice-bound for only
a short period every year. The Naval Staff Operations Division
is therefore opposed to establishing a weather station on Bear
Island as planned by the Intelligence Division of the Armed Foroee
High Command and recommends trying to obtain the required informa-
tion from this area by means of automatic weather reporting equip-
ment.
For copy of corresponding memorandum see l/Skl. I Nord 20975/42
Gkdos. in War Diary, Part C, Vol. I la.
b. Group North reports with reference to the Naval Construc-
tion Division' 8 opinion of the seaworthiness of cruiser KOELN
that cruisers on operations cannot necessarily seek shore protection
in case of rough seas, and either this risk must be borne or else
cruisers must not be operated outside the Baltic Sea and the
Skagerrak.
-528-
CONFIDENTIAL
27 Aug. 1943
V
If the latter alternative should be decided on, Group North re-
quests that no more cruisers be assigned to the Arctic area or
that they be used there for the sole purpose of repulsing enemy
landing attempts.
IV. Skagerrak. Baltic Sea Entrances. Baltic Sea
No speoial incidents from the area of the Commanding Admiral,
Defenses, Baltic Sea.
Group North gave orders to remove the Swinemuende dummy barrage <
which interferes with sweeping ground mines.
Acoording to the Operations Staff of the Armed Forces High Command,
the Fuehrer has ordered the reinforcement of the Danish coastal
defenses along the lines of the Westwall. The work is to be done
with the forces available there. No additional foroes are re-
quired. The Commanding General of the German Armed Foroes in
Denmark submitted a priority list. He proposes tnat the harbors
of Esbjerg, Kyboroen and,Hirthals be reinforced first by con-
struction of hedgehog defenses. The Naval Staff is requested to
comment on this. plan. (See Telegram 1715.)
4
The Swedish Navy reported that a Finnish convoy was attacked on
25 Aug. in the Aaland area by a submarine with 2 torpedoes which
missed. The Naval Attache at Stockholm believes, that transports
are supposed to proceed through Oeregrund and to be dismissed
from their Swedish escort at Oresundsgrepen, the boundary of
Swedish territorial waters. The Attache requests the Naval Staff
to confirm his assumption and if necessary to repeat its directive
that transports are to be handed over to the Finns at Simpnaes.
(See Telegram 2115.) In view of the submarine menace in the
Aaland Sea, Group North ordered that the escorts of troop trans-
ports be reinforced by 3 ships of the 1st Mine Sweeper Flotilla.
Ship "47 " proceeding from Memel to Windau was attacked In the
eastern Baltic Sea north of Libau by a Russian submarine with 2
torpedoes, both of which missed. The submarine submerged after
being hit by gunfire. Depth charges were dropped, too, but
results could not be ascertained. 4 fighter planes and 2 low-
flying planes attacked the 3rd Mine Sweeper Flotilla, the latter
dropping 2 aerial torpedoes which missed. Mine-sweeping and
escort operations in the area of the Commander, Mine Sweepers,
Baltic Sea proceeded uneventfully.
V. Merchant Shipping
1. Enemy shipping situation as of 1 Aug. 1942
Fluctuations of the available tonnage were due ex-
clusively to new constructions and losses, since additions by
transfers and purchases ceased after the U.S.A. entered the war.
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CONFIDENTIAL
27 Aug. 1942
In spite of rising ship building output, almost 675,000 GRT
during July as against 230,000 GRT in January, the available enemy
tonnage of 33,600,000 GRT on 1 Jan. 1942 deoreased to 30,400,000
GRT on 1 Aug. owing to constantly rising losses.
Enemy production figures are rising
The Allied ship-building program for December 1942 calls for pro-
duction of 800,000 GRT. Sinkings by submarines are also increasing
since the beginning of the year. At this time no prediction can
be made as to the future development of submarine warfare whioh
must be considered the yardstick for the war on merchant shipping.
If the Axis Powers can maintain the sinking figures at the level
of the last months and if the enemy can fulfill his production
program, the sinkings and replacements will be about the same by
the end of 1942 > and the available enemy shipping space will have
reached its lowest level around the end of 1943 or the beginning
of 1943.
A diagram of this development is contained in the "Foreign Merohant
Shipping" report by the Naval Intelligence Division, Foreign Mer-
ohant Marine Branch.
2. With reference to the control of merchant shipping in
the Baltic Sea, the Reich Commissioner of Maritime Shipping re-
ported on 8 Aug. that the transport situation in the Baltic coun-
tries no longer makes it necessary to take great risks; he there-
fore proposes that ships be permitted to proceed singly (not in
groups) and close to shore, provided adequate protection, pos-
sibly by planes, can be given them. The Commissioner also re-
quested that the various shipping authorities be informed in time
when escort is to be provided in certain areas.
The Naval Staff examined this matter together with Group North and
the Baltic Naval Station, and ordered the Baltic Naval Station,
the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea, with copy to Group North,
to notify the Shipping Representatives at Stettin, Danzig,
Koenigsberg, Libau, Windau, Riga, and Reval as early as possible
about the time when escorts can be provided. The Reich Commis-
sioner of Maritime Shipping has been requested to see that in-
formation as to the convoy timetables is made known to as few
persons as possible, and that secrecy is maintained. He was further
informed that regular air escort cannot be provided and that hie
proposal that ships proceed singly meets unanimous opposition from
the operations zone, because traffic of supply and merchant ships
to the Baltic countries in groups of 2 has proved very satisfactory
for more than a year. The Naval Staff further requests the Reich
Commissioner of Maritime Shipping to see that the number of orders
issued to shipping at his request, many of which are contradictory,
be cut down in order to avoid confusion.
VI. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation ;
Radio monitoring located about 30 reconnoitering enemy
planes 120 miles west of Brest.
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CONFIDENTIAL
2? Aug. 1942
A submarine attack at the northern exit of the Belle Isle Strait
was reported from off the U.S. coast. Submarine warning signals
were intercepted from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, north of Nantucket
Island, and the Gulf of Mexico.
According to an intelligence report from Sweden the two convoys now
being' assembled in Canada will sail from there this week and pro-
ceed together as far as Iceland.
According to an intelligence report from Spain, 3 British steamers
with machine guns for airplanes and with 4-motored planes left
Galveston (Texas) on 19 Aug. for Portsmouth (England) under escort
of 7 U.S. warships.
2. Own Situation :
The only success reoorted comes from the waters north-
east of Trinidad, where submarine U "leg" sank a 10,000 GRT tanker
in quadrant EE 7312.
Contact with the northbound convoy southeast of the Azores con-
sisting of more than 20 steamers was maintained up to 1930. Group
" Eisbaer" was ordered to abandon the operation, to form a patrol
line from quadrants DH 1444 to DH 1664 by 0800 of 28 Aug. and to
proceed south. «
For additional reports see supplement to submarine situation in
War Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
VII. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity :
Folkestone was raided by fighter bombers during the day;
hits in the target area were observed.
During the night of 27 Aug. 23 planes attacked Leeds.
2. Mediterranean Theater :
Nothing to report.
3. Eastern Front :
101 enemy planes were shot down.
Reconnaissance missions were carried out in the Black Sea and the
Arctic Ocean.
A Russian mine sweeper was severely damaged during an aerial attack
on Lake Ladoga.
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CONFIDENTIAL
27 Aug. 1942
4. Inoursions ;
There were between 300 and 350 enemy Incursions during
the night of 27 Aug. , about 300 of them over Germany. They pene-
trated as far as Copenhagen, Danzig Bay, Stralsund, Lueneburg,
Braunschweig, and Muenohen-Gladbach. The attack centered on Kassel,
where heavy damage was inflicted. For details see daily situation
report.
Special Items ;
a . In modification of the orier of 26 Aug. the Air
Force Operations Staff directed the 3rd Air Force to transfer one
of its mine-sweeping planes temporarily to the 4th Air Force at
Mariupol no later than 27 Aug. The Air Force Group Commander,
Central Area is ordered to transfer one of the Ju 52 mine-6weeping
planes including its crew from his area to the 3rd Air Force.
b. The Naval Representative on the Air Force Operations
Staff reports that up to now 2 Ju 86 high altitude planes are being
used for daylight attacks on England. They attack from an altitude
of 13,000 m. On order of the Reichsmarschall the production of
this model is to be speeded up as much as possible. So far no anti-
aircraft defenses have been encountered over England at such alti-
tudes.
c. The Air Force Operations Staff assumes that the 6
large merchant vessels seen at Archangel on 25 Aug. belong to a
convoy from overseas. The 5 medium-sized steamers spotted on
26 Aug. on the western shipping lane outside of Archangel may be
a convoy from overseas, too. The convoys may have come from the
west or from the east through the Northeast Passage. The Air
Force Operations Staff is inclined to believe that the latter is
the case and that the ships are parts of the large convoy ex-
pected to arrive from the east. It is planned to intensify the
attacks on ships and harbor installations of Archangel and to mine
its harbor entrance.
VIII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1« Enemy Situation, Mediterranean ;
The troop transports which arrived at Gibraltar on 26
Aug. are said to have brought about 4,500 infantry and artillery
men to relieve the Gibraltar garrison. The Italians expect that
a convoy will sail from Gibraltar in the immediate future.
The Italian Navy reports large British ships cruising off the
French Morocco coast. According to an unconfirmed report, French
air and naval forces have been alerted.
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CONFIDENTIAL
2 7 Aug. 1942
Among other ships 4 submarines were observed at Valletta by air
reconnaissance. It cannot be determined whether they are supply
boats or whether the harbor is serviceable once more as a sub-
marine base.
Submarines were sighted off Cape Bon and off Navarino.
No enemy situation reports were received from the eastern Mediter-
ranean. Radio monitoring during the night of 26 Aug. intercepted
reports from one of pur North Africa convoys which was shadowed
and attacked by the British.
2. Own Situation. Mediterranean :
During the night of 26 Aug. Marsa Matruh was attacked by
enemy planes and suffered slight damage. Tobruk was not attacked
that night. 2 German PT boats arrived at Suda from Augusta.
The Naval Staff requests the German Naval Command, Italy to re-
port immediately what routes the British are believed to have
sailed in the Strait of Sicily, both coming and going. The Naval
Staff places particular value on the opinion of the German Naval
Command, Italy on the following points:
a. Were French territorial waters invaded, and if so where?
b. Did enemy forces pass through the minefields outside of
French territorial waters?
c. What is the location of the minefield laid by the Italians
during the night of 11 Aug. and what is the Naval Command's opinion
about its effectiveness?
On 20 Aug. the Naval Attache Rome reported on an interview with
Admiral Riccardi, in the oourse of which tae latter commented on
the outcome of the naval operations from 11 to 13 Aug. and on the
destruction of the British convoy. In this connection Riccardi
referred to a communication from the Commander in Chief, Navy
according to which the minefield planned by the Naval Staff in
French territorial waters in order to close the gap off Cape Bon
was not to be laid; this change was allegedly brought about by
new considerations just before the beginning of the British con-
voy operation, although the project had previously been agreed
upon between German and Italian political authorities. Neverthe-
less Riccardi ordered the mine-laying operation, which had al-
ready been started to be carried out.
This version is undoubtedly erroneous. The Naval
Staff 8 opposition to the operation was due to the
fact that the Italians wanted to seal the French
territorial waters without having any indication
that a new convoy operation had begun, anticipating
the approval of the political authorities.
For copy of the report see l/Skl 21002/42 Gkdos. in War Diary,
Part C, Vol. XIII.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa :
A number of deplorable losses of and damages to ships
have been reported:
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OONFIDENTIAL
27 Aug. 1942
The troop transport CAMPERIO was torpedoed and sunk by an enemy
submarine at 0751 west of Crete, although she was prooeeding in
oonvoy under escort of a destroyer and 2 torpedo boats. Details
are not yet known.
Steamer ISTRIA was sunk by enemy planes 60 miles off Ras el Tin.
Tanker GE0RGI03 was damaged by several bomb hits.
Steamer ARMANDO ran ashore at Caledia while proceeding from Palermo
to Tripoli.
On 25 Aug. 1,010 tons of material were unloaded at Tobruk in ad-
dition to 773 tons from tankers; on 26 Aug. the respective figures
were 1,184 tons plus 684 tons from tankers.
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea :
Because of mines allegedly located by an Italian torpedo
boat, the waters northwest of the northwestern tip of Crete were
closed to shipping. The Air Force was ordered to check on this
report. Regarding the sinking of the CAMPERIO see preceding para-
graph. Otherwise convoy operations in the Aegean Sea proceeded
according to plan and without major incident.
Blaok Sea ;
Enemy Situation :
Lively shipping off the Caucasian coast is interpreted
by the Air Commander, Crimea to be connected with transports to
central Caucasian ports. Reconnaissance of the Tuapse area re-
vealed movements to the northeast toward Maikop.
Radio monitoring established the cruiser KRASNY KRIM and the
flotilla leader KHARKOV at sea under escort of 5 destroyers at
unidentified positions. The Fleet Command op board an unidentified
ship sailed from Batum during 26 May and was located during the
night of 26 Aug. approximately 60 miles off Ochemchiri in company
of 4 destroyers, 1 submarine depot ship and 4 submarines.
Own Situation :
Operations and movements in the Black Sea area were
hampered to a great extent by continuous bad weather.
Special Items :
a. The Commanding General, Armed Forces, Balkans oom-
municates that it is not planned to transfer the supply troops
of the 22nd Airborne Division to Crete. (See Telegram 1250.)
b. Grout) South objects to the plan of the Chief Quarter-
master Black Sea to charge the Navy with the execution of all
-33U-
CONFIDENTIAL
27 Aug. 1942
maritime shipping operations, including towing, lightering, load-
ing and unloading. (See Telegram 1320.) The Naval Staff Quarter-
master Division will take up the matter.
IX. Situation East Asia
No official reports of any importance were received.
American reports assert that the sea battle in the Solomons has
reached far greater proportions than revealed by the communique of
the Navy Department. U.S. warships are attempting to protect the
bridgeheads against considerable Japanese naval forces off Tulagi.
The action is still in progress. The Navy Department announced
that it is too early yet to make a conclusive statement regarding
the results of the battle.
The Japanese landed in Milne Bay on New Guinea against strong air
defenses. A.Japanese transport was allegedly sunk, a cruiser
probably sunk, and a destroyer damaged. According to a report
from Tokyo the American fleet in the Solomons was severely damaged
by Japanese air forces: In addition to the two aircraft carriers
already reported^a PENNSYLVANIA-class battleship is said to have
been severely damaged. The Japanese concede that one of their
smaller aircraft carriers was damaged and that a destroyer was
sunk.
X. Army Situation
1. Russian Front :
Army Group A :
The advancing spearheads of Army Group Ruoff had to
fight off persistent local enemy attacks. The 1st Mountain Divi-
sion is fighting for the possession of Marukk Pass, while the 4th
Mountain Division has captured Tshmasha Pass. The 23rd Panzer
Division began an offensive north of Maisky.
Army Group B :
The advancing units at the right wing of the 4th Panzer
Army are under heavy enemy pressure. Attacks on the northwestern
flank were repulsed. Units of the 71st Division penetrated into
the town of Kalach. Enemy attacks on our positions in the Don
River bend in the' Kremensk area were repulsed. Seraf iraovich was
taken by the enemy.
Central Army Group ;
In the area south of Sukhinichi all attacks on the Zhizdra
River sector were repulsed. Thrusts in the Rzhev area resulted
in small enemy gains only.
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CONFIDENTIAL
27 Aug. 1942
Northern Army Group ;
Attacks on the northern section of the land bridge to
the Ilnd Array Corps were unsuccessful. The enemy succeeded in * *
breaking through our lines at 2 places between Maluksa and
Sohluesselburg. The penetrations were sealed off,
2. Finnish Front :
At the 20th Mountain Army the 2nd Mountain vDivision took
over command of the sector of the 6th Mountain Division.
A new Group "Rosi" was formed which comprises the Liinahamari
defense sector and the Rybachi Peninsula front.
3. North Africa :
Enemy reconnaissance activity was lively and artillery
fire was normal during 27 Aug. Air reconnaissance established that
the number of motor vehicles in the area between Cairo and Wadi el
Natrun was doubled and amounts now to 1,000 vehicles.
*************************
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CONFIDENTIAL
28 Aug. 19 42
Items of Political Importance
Churchill's visit to Moscow
According to .Japanese diplomatic circles Churchill's Cairo confer-
ences with Smuts and the British generals v/ere at least as important
as his visit to Stalin. It was resolved at Cairo to make the
greatest possible effort to hold Egypt and to defeat Rommel. Every-
thing is to be done to replenish and reinforce troops and war ma-
terial in Egypt as quickly as possible. The U.S.A. is also to con-
tribute considerably to this end.
The Daily Herald demands action instead of words and is hoping for
an integrated strategic plan. The British people are said to be de-
manding the following from Churchill:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Coordinated Allied strategy,
A definite plan for just distribution of all resources,
The abolishment of private interests on the home' front,
The elimination of red tape,
Definite post-war plans so that the people need not fear
that this war, like the last one, will end in a chaotic and only
temporary peace.
Great Britain :
According to Reuter, Lord Mayne was appointed Deputy Minister for the
Middle East in order to assist Casey.
The Food Ministry plans an extensive campaign to induce the popula-
tion to eat potatoes instead of bread. Potatoes, which are produced
in a quantity almost sufficient to meet the requirements of the'
country, must become the principal food.
South Africa :
During a talk at
Smuts emphasized
Portugal.
which the Portuguese Colonial Minister was present,
the friendly relations between South Africa and
Spain :
The periodical Africa expressed the hope that, as the result of a new
world order, Spanish Africa will some day emerge as an empire.
U.S.S.R. :
The Polish General Anders,
a temporary internment as a
lieves Stalin is determined
man
are
who held a field
pr i s on er of war,
to coot in ue the
command in Russia after
declared that he be-
war at all costs, while
ves ^ann is determined to continue ine war at an costs, wniie
y Russian politicians, particularly the "diehard revolutionists"
in favor of ending the war. However, both sides have one and the
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CONFIDENTIAL
28 Aug. 1942
same aim, namely world revolution.
A Bulgarian diplomat believes that the Russian masses are resigned
to carry the burden of the v/ar since they lack a clear picture
of the domestic and foreign political situation. Intensive propa-
ganda has fostered bitter hatred against Germany. The Government
has the situation firmly in hand.
Diplomats of governments in exile, on their way through Portugal
from Russia, declare unanimously that Comintern propaganda is on the
increase and that there is no intimation that Soviet Russia is turn-
ing bourgeois . The Omsk radio station is being greatly expanded for
the dissemination of subversive propaganda. For these reasons
neither London nor Washington wants to crush Germany completely; they
place value on maintaining Germany's war potential for the time when
peace is concluded.
An article in the Neue Zuericher Zeitung disclosed the alleged
opinions of Russian diplomats concern l:iff future Russian demands in
Europe in connection with Molotov's London agreement. For details
see Political Review No. 201, paragraph 4b.
Argentina :
The Government decided to recognize Brazil as a non-belligerent.
The position of the Castillo Government has become considerably more
difficult on account of the latest developments.
Conference on the Situation with the Chief, Naval Staff
I. The Deputy to the Chief, Naval' Staff Quartermaster Division
took part in the landing maneuvers held in Danzig Bay under the com-
mand of the Admiral, Amphibious Forces by 2 battalions and reported
that on the whole the exercises proceeded smoothly and according to
'plan .
II. Referring to the appreciation of the Commanding Admiral, Sub-
marines for the contribution of the Naval Communications Division
in developing the radar search receiver, the Chief, Naval Ordnance
Division, calls attention to the part played by the Naval Ordnance
Division in developing this instrument.
The Commander in Chief, Navy took this occasion to express his dis-
approval of the way in which the Commanding Admiral, Submarines acted
in this matter. It is the business of the Commander in Chief, Navy
alone to express recognition for achievements in matters concerning
the Navy.
III. The Chief, Naval Ordnance Division reports further about the
widespread erroneous belief that naval anti-aircraft artillery is
inferior to that of the Air Force. The Commander in Chief, Navy
approves the proposal of the Naval Ordnance Division to submit a re-
port correcting this impression to the Permanent Representative at
the Fuehrer Headquarters and to the Naval Staff for insertion in the
V/ar Diary. ♦
IV. The Chief, Naval Staff Submarine Division reports that the sub-
marine repair ship KAMERUN is transferring to Narvik.
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28 Aug. 1942
V. The Chief, Naval staff announces the decisions made by the
Fuehrer at the conference on 26 Aug. and issues orders for their
execution. See War Diary, 26 Aug.
VI. The Chief, Naval staff directs the assignment of a modern
mine sweeper flotilla to the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, West
in order to maintain adequate patrol service in the Day of Biscay.
If necessary the forces in the northern area would have to be
weakened for the purpose.
In a Very Restricted Circle ;
VII. The Chief, Operations Branch, Naval staff Operations Division
reports on the enemy operational order captured at Dieppe, which is
being evaluated by the Naval Staff Intelligence Division. It can
be clearly seen from this order that the operation was of limited
scope .
See War Diary 26 Aug. regarding the suspicion that our mine -laying
plans were betrayed. «
VIII. See l/Skl 16.59/42 Gkdos. Chefs, for an account of Antonescu's
reply to the report of the Commanding Admiral, Group South.
For copy see War Diary, Part C, Vol. XlVa.
IX. For a further report of the Chief, Operations Branch, Naval
Staff Operations Division on operation "Wunderland" see Situation,
Arctic Ocean. Since the SCHEER will not enter the shipyard for re-
pairs, there is no necessity to call the operation off, as long as
its • execution serves a useful purpose.
The Naval Staff issues the following order to Group North with copy
to the Admiral, Arctic Ocean:
1. Overhauling of the SCHEER has been postponed so that
operation "Wunderland" has no longer a definite time limit.
2. The object of operation "Wunderland" is to attack shipping
on the Arctic route, particularly in the v/aters of Novaya Zemlya
and the Kara Sea. The only report received in this connection con-
cerns a convoy reported by the Japanese which passed through the
Bering Strait between 1 and 3 Aug. and could have reached the White
Sea at the earliest 15 or 18 days later, if conditions were favorable.
It is not certain, however, that the convoy was destined for the
White Sea since some of the east -west traffic is bound for the Arctic
ports of eastern Siberia and travels only as far as Ambarchik, Tiksi,
or Nordvik. This explains why larger steamers from the east have not
been reliably located so far, although oth^r reasons may be delays en
route or inadequate air reconnaissance. The Naval Staff is convinced
that shipping from east to west will continue, and that there has been
a regular schedule this summer from the Yenisei and the Ob to the White
Sea ports. As long as operation "Zeus'* is not detected by the enemy
there is no reason for x him to stop this traffic.
3. No information is available so far whether shipping is
routed north of Novaya Zemlya or through the Kara Strait and Yugbr
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CONFIDENTIAL
28 Aug. 1942
Strait. Either possibility must be taken into account. Apparently
favorable ice conditions make it likely that the shorter southern
route is used. The southward thrust by operation "Wunderland" which
is under way may clarify this question.
4. Even if this operation should bring no results, it does
not necessarily mean that shipping was discontinued, because ships
might be sailing at irregular intervals. The waters are navigable
until early October, between the Yenisei and the White Sea sometimes
beyond this date.
5. Operation "Wunderland" is therefore to be continued for the
time being unless there are indications of a threatening enemy re-
action when he learns of operation "Zeus", or unless there are in-
dications that strong enemy forces are approaching, for instance from
the west. One of the principal concentrations of traffic is in the
vicinity of Dickson Island, and it is left to the discretion of the
commanding officer to extend the operation to this area.
6. Plans are to be submitted.
The Chief,, Naval Staff approves of the above.
Special Item
Descriptions of motor launch ML "306 M which v/as captured off St.
Nazaire, of small British war vessels, and of the new British motor
gunboat with steam turbine drive are contained in News Analysis No.
40 of the Naval Intelligence Division, Foreign Navies Branch.
Situation 28 Aug. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation ;
North Atlantic ;
According to Reuter, the U.S. battleship IOWA, the keel
of which was laid at the end of June 1940, was launched at the
Brooklyn Navy Yard on 27 Aug.
The U.S. destroyer INGRAHAM sank in the Atlantic due to a collision
in foggy weather .
Radio Dsventry reports that the Brazilian Navy is to be reinforced
by 25 U.S. destroyers to be supplied on a lend-lease basis. According
to an intelligence report from Portuguese shipping circles empty
ships are being held back not only in English ports as previously
observed but also in U.S. ports. This concerns mostly large ships.
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CONFIDENTIAL
28 Aug. 1942
South Atlantic ;
Daily Express describes the raider interfering v/ith mer-
chant shipping in the South Atlantic as carrying 2 or 4 motor torpedo^
boats of 62 tons. Her armament is given as six 20 cm guns, her speed'
as 20 knots. Ship "28" actually has only one PT boat.
— "* .*
An agent reports, from the U.S. Embassy at Madrid that a U.S. aircraft
carrier, probably the RANGER, will sail for Gibraltar from a West
African port on 4 Sep. with 80 planes aboard.
The French radio intercept service established that British transports
are being concentrated on the West African coast. The French suspect
that a thrust against Dakar is planned and link this fact with the
cutting of the cable from Casablanca to Dakar at a* point 200 km south
of Casablanca.
Indian Ocean ;
According to an intelligence report originating in Budapest
diplomatic circles, a U.S. convoy of 8 transports and a number of
freighters sailed from Charleston under destroyer escort for Bushire
in the Persian Gulf. The convoy is said to carry several thousand
infantrymen with complete equipment of motor vehicles, guns and tanks,
and to be the largest force to be shipped to Bushire since the 'ar-
rival there 2 months ago of a full division.
Pacific Ocean ;
According to a report from Tokyo, a small cruiser and 2
destroyers of the U.S. Pacific Fleet entered the Bering Strait around
the end of July and will be engaged in escort duty. At the end of
July or early in August' 3 Russian steamers carrying lead, v/ool, and
sugar arrived at Vladivostok from the U.S.A.
2. Own Situation ;
No reports were received from our ships in foreign waters.
Enemy situation report by Radiogram 2249.
The German Armistice Commission, France reports on French ship move-
ments by Telegrams 1215, 1300, 1753, 1915.
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation ;
Air reconnaissance observed lively ship and convoy traffic
in the western part of the Channel. According to photo reconnaissance
3 destroyers, 1 torpedo boat, 15 steamers, 250 barges and coastal
vessels were at Southampton.
A destroyer, 2 destroyers in dock, 5 minesweepers under construction,
and 3 steamers were observed at Cowes.
-3Ui-
CONFIDENTIAL
28 Aug. 19 42
2. Own Situation ;
Atlantic Coast ;
Nothing to report.
Channel Coast ;
A convoy for the Channel Islands was unsuccessfully
bombed and strafed by low-flying enemy planes at 0226. In the
afternoon several plane formations, some of them large, flew over
the French coast south of Boulogne. Group North submits supple-
mentary reports and additional information in connection with the
enemy landing at Dieppe on the basis of the captured orders and
experiences of naval units. For copy see l/Skl 21231/42 Gkdos. in
File "Enemy Landing at Dieppe on 19 Aug. 1942".
III. North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea ;
Enemy Situation ;
Nothing to report.
Own Situation ;
Escort and patrol activity in the area of the Commanding
Admiral, Defenses, North proceeded according to plan.
Enemy air activity during the day over the German Bight. An enemy
plane was shot down by a patrol vessel, another one by our fighter
planes .
A detailed report was received from the Admiral, Holland about the
British air raid on the Wilton Shipyard at Rotterdam on 27 Aug. For
copy see Telegram 1630. In addition to sinking the COBRA, the enemy
planes scored 2 direct hits on the 46,000 ton dock, v/hich will be out
of commission for several months, and 1 hit on the 20,000 ton dock,
which will be back in service in a few weeks. The Wilton Shipyard's
coppersmith shop is also out of commission "and the shipbuilding shop
was damaged,
2. Norway ;
Enemy Situation ;
Nothing to report.
Own Situation ;
Shipping in Petsamo Fjord was shelled on 25 and 26 Aug. by
an enemy battery on Rybachi Peninsula; no damage was done. The
Commanding General, Armed Forces, Norway ordered a second degree alert
for his entire area during the nights of 26 and 27 Aug. A first de-
gree alert was ordered for the area of the Naval Shore Command at
Molde every night from 2200 to 0700 until further notice. Convoy ser-
vice proceeded according to plan.
-3U2-
CONFIDENTIAL
20 Aug. 1942
Group North signifies its approval of the barrage plans of the Com-
manding Admiral, Norway for the area from Stavanger to Kristiansand
South and is in complete agreement 'with his remarks regarding the
requests of the Commanding Admiral,- Fleet, Group North likewise
approves the minefield planned in Alta Fjord by the Commanding Ad-
miral, Norway. The allocation of the mines required for both pro-
jects as requested by Group North is ordered by the Naval Staff
Operations Division.
The Fleet Command passed Kristiansand South in an easterly direc-
tion aboard the HELA at 1620.
Group North reported on 24 Aug. its intention to transfer the SCHEER
immediately following completion of operation "Ymnderland". Since the
Fuehrer has ordered that the SCHEER not be sent to the Atlantic, this
plan need not be carried out. Group North and the Fleet are in-
structed to this effect and notified that the previously ordered ship-
yard overhaul of the SCHEER is postponed for the time being. The Fleet
is to submit a proposal for another date for the repair after con-
sultation with Group North.
3. Arctic Ocean ;
Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance brought no new information.
Own Situation :
On 24 Aug. Group North submitted a survey of all nine -laying
operations planned in the northern area. (See War Diary 20 Aug.)
Operation "Peter" off Matochkin Strait was begun on 23 Aug.
Operation "Zar" (ULM) began on 24 Aug.
Operation "Iwan II" and "Rurik" are temporarily postponed; instead
minefield "Peter" will be reinforced.
It is planned to carry out operation "Paul" off Yugor Strait at the
earliest possible date. The laying of minefields "Rasputin", "Zare-
witch", "Romanow", and "Iwan I depends on the receipt of the
necessary mines and on the completion of operation "Wunderland".
Submarine U "456" was ordered, after meeting submarine U "589" to
loperate along the western coast of Novaya Zemlya as far south as
Kostin Strait and to intercept any traffic encountered there. Sub-
marine U "209" is to patrol Kostin Strait if she is west of 54° E,
otherwise she is to remain in the Yugor Strait area.
Submarine U "589" executed operation "Peter" according to plan. At
0004 the ULM was instructed by the Admiral, Arctic Ocean to lay all
minefields according to the operations order at her own discretion.
So far the ULM has not reported by radio; however, the Admiral,
Arctic Ocean assumes that everything is proceeding according to
plan. s )
The SCHEER is instructed by the Admiral, Arctic Ocean to withdraw
from the zone of operation by noon of 29 Aug. at the latest. s The
-31+3-
CONFIDENTIAL
28 Aug. 1942
Admiral expects that the ship will have reached about 73° N in the
Kara Sea by then, unless she found other nore attractive targets.
Group North disagrees with the above order and desires the exten-
sion of operation "Wunderland" and completion of the task accord-
ing to the original plan, since the situation has not changed and
no special dangers have arisen. The SCHEER reported her position
by short signal at 79° N, 60° E at 0600 and her intention to ad-
vance in the direction of Spitsbergen.
See conference on the situation wi th the Chief, Naval Staff for the
Naval Staff's view of the situation and the directive issued.
Thereupon, Group North directed the Admiral, Arctic Ocean to carry
out the operation in accordance with the order of the Naval Staff,
paragraph 5. (Thrust into the waters in the vicinity of Dickson
Island. )
The Admiral, Arctic Ocean informs the SCHEER that the previous time
limit has been cancelled and that the operation can be extended be-
yond 73° N. The Admiral, Arctic Ocean assumes that the operation
in the Kara Sea can be continued unless the reported intention to
return was due to urgent causes; he orders the operation to be con-
tinued even if the sv/eep into the Kara Sea was already executed, un-
less the ship was discovered by the enemy or other grave reasons make
it necessary to return.
At 2045 the Chief of Staff, Group North reports by telephone receipt
of a short signal from the SCHEER which indicates that the ship
fired on Dickson Island. Group North assumes that this action took
place some time ago, since radio monitoring yesterday revealed in-
tensified radio communication in the Archangel area. The SCHEER will
be called upon to report her position and the date of the shelling.
•
The bombardment changed the picture of the situation. The SCHEER' s
short signal is considered to be the report requested by the Ad-
miral, Arctic Ocean. It is therefore not advisable* to order the
cruiser to the Kara Sea once more, since her presence has become
known to the enemy through the bombardment. The cruiser is there-
fore to continue the return voyage.
At 2200 the Chief of Staff, Group North is informed of the above
conclusion reached by the Naval Staff.
Group North thus instructs the Admiral, Arctic Ocean as follows:
"Bombardment created new situation. Early enemy reaction to be ex-
pected. Therefore 'Zeus' return".
The SCHEER is instructed to report by short signal if the bombard-
ment did not occur on 26 Aug. and is ordered to break off the op-
eration and to return according to plan.
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CONFIDENTIAL
28 Aug. 1942
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic S$a Entrances, Baltic Sea
Northing to report from the. area of the Commanding Admiral,
Defenses, Baltic Sea.
One ground mine each was swept north of Swinemuende, off the
southeastern tip of Ruegen, and north of Appenrade.
A_Swfdish steamer reports that motor schooner V/ALTER sank after a
mine detonation at Kriegers Flach south of the Sound.
The laying of minefields "Seeigel 23, 28, 29, and 30" in the
eastern Baltic Sea had to be postponed on account of bad weather.
3 vessels were transferred to the Aland Sea for a submarine chase;
they are based at Mariehamm. Escort and mine-sweeping services
according to plan. The 3rd Mountain Division is being shipped to
Reval instead of Finland.
Special Item :
Group North requests permission to organize a special requisition-
ing detachment in order' to seize naval installations and equipment
during operation "Nprdlicht"; at the same time the Group wants to
know whether operation "Nordlicht" cancels the Fuehrer's previous
order prohibiting German soldiers from entering the area involved.
This order would have to be relaxed.
V. ■ Submarine V/arfare
1. Enemy Situation ;
Reconnaissance activity increased in the southern rendez-
vous area. At 1555 an enemy plane circled over a submerging sub-
marine about 190 miles north of Cape Ortegal. According to an in-
telligence report from Spain, a convoy of approximately 24 steamers,
a passenger ship and 2 Norwegian tankers sailed from Gibraltar in
a westerly direction.
A number of submarine sighting reports were reported from off the
American coiast and the West Indies.
2.
Own Situation :
See Situation, Arctic Ocean for operations in the north
area. The North Atlantic group "Vorwaert s " is informed that an
outgoing as well as an incoming convoy may be expected in its zone
on 29 Aug. Contact was established with .a small convoy of 3 steamers
escorted by 4 destroyers in the eastern exit of Belle Isle Strait.
Submarine U "165" observed b heavy explosions on two steamers of
500 GRT each, and heard 5 detonations in all. Due to strong defense
action, the sinkings could not be observed. According to radio in-
telligence, Radio Ottawa announced the sinking of a ship in this
area. However, the Commanding Admiral, Submarines credited the sub-
marine with 2 sinkings.
-3U5-
CONFIDENTIAL
28 Aug. 1942
Submarine U "605" located the spot at which steamer TROLLA (1,598
GRT) sank in quadrant BD 1674.
Submarine U "511" sank an 8,000 GRT steamer out of a convoy in
qj adrant EC 1298 and probably sank a 9,000 GRT tanker.
The operation of group "Bluecher" against the convoy in quadrant
CF was called off. Submarine U "566" sank a 7,000 GRT steamer
i. quadrant CF 6315 and torpedoed a 5,000 GRT steamer; the boat
was later rammed while being pursued with depth charges.
For details see supplement to submarine situation in War Diary,
Part B, Vol. IV.
VI . Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity :
Daylight attacks with good results were made on coastal
towns in southern and southeastern England.
Extensive reconnaissance was conducted in the Channel area. 21
German planes raided Sunderland during the night of 28 Aug.
2. Incursions ;
300 enemy incursions penetrated as far as Frankfort on
Main, Pilsen, Munich, and Strassbourg during the night of 28 Aug.
Bombs were dropped on the Hallberg iron works at Saarbruecken, on
Nuernberg, Erlangen, Karlsruhe, Augsburg and Munich. For damage
see daily situation report.
3. Mediterranean Theater :
Nothing to report.
4. Eastern Front t
Our planes flew 2,300 sorties and shot down 65 enemy
planes. Reconnaissance activity in the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea
and the Arctic Ocean.
5. Special Items t
a. Complying with a request of the Naval Staff Opera-
tions Division, the Air Force Operations Staff released 12 Arado
196 planes to Bulgaria for coast patrol tasks. The negotiations are
not yet completed, but the early delivery of the planes can be ex-
pected.
b. Regarding disposition of the mine-sweeping planes
see 1/Skl I op 21148/42 Gkdos. in War Diary, Part C, Vol. V.
-5U6-
CONFIDENTIAL
28 Aug. 1942
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean :
According to the German Armistice Commission, France, the
French Admiralty reported in reply to an Inquiry that no unusual
warships or merchant ship activity has been noticed off the coast of
Morocco or off Dakar. French planes have reconnoitered as far as
1,000 miles.
According to an intelligence report from an Italian source, an important
meeting of the American war council was held at Cairo. A new shipment
of U.S. troops and war material is said to be expected at Suez next week.
It was allegedly resolved to forego shipping through the Mediterranean,
except in cases of emergency.
The convoy which sailed west from Gibraltar is escorted by 3 corvettes
and 2 gunboats. An intelligence report from Spain states that the war-
ship situation at Gibraltar is 'essentially unchanged. A total of 43
merchant steamers, 9 tankers and 2 passenger vessels was counted. 72
planes were in the harbor and on the airfield.
Several submarine sighting reports were sent from the central Mediter-
ranean, for example from the southern entrance to the Strait of Otranto
and north of Benghazi.
In the eastern Mediterranean a convoy of 1 steamer, 1 tanker and 3
patrol vessels on an easterly course was sighted by air reconnaissance
north of Alexandria. No other shipping was encountered.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean :
According to an Italian report, many moored mines were,
located 11 miles north of the Derna lighthouse. Otherwise nothing to
report.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa :
Considerable quantities of German supplies were destroyed
on the ships reported lost or damaged on 27 Aug. Tanker GIORGIO, carry-
ing 2,474 tons of fuel, mainly aviation gasoline, fortunately was able
to reach Tobruk, The destroyer which escorted steamer CAMPER! re-
ports having definitely destroyed the attacking enemy submarine. It is
reported that the Italian steamer PAOLINA was also damaged on 27 Aug.
by a mine in the vicinity of Cape Bon and that steamer DIELPI en route
from Suda to Benghazi was sunk by enemy planes.
The losses sustained during, the last 2 days reached a
regrettable high. The attacks of the enemy's sub-
marines and planes have in no way abated.
1,320 tons of supplies were unloaded at Tobruk on 28 Aug.
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea :
Destroyer HERMES returned to Piraeus from a submarine chase.
High seas prevented the Air Force from checking the report of mines
off Cerigotto. Due to the lack of planes, the submarine chase scheduled
-3U7-
CONFIDENTIAL
28 Aug. 1942
by the Air Force in the same area had to be cancelled.
Enemy planes operated over Candla. Convoy service was partly curtailed
by bad weather, but otherwise proceeded according to plan.
Black Sea :
Enemy Situation ;
Group South reports that on 25 Aug. about 4 to 6 fast ves-
sels were able to enter the Sea of Azov at the southern tip of
Chushka Spit in spite of a hit on one of the ships scored while pass-
ing the Kerch Strait.
Own Situation ;
The laying of a net barrage in Feodosyia was begun. It is
planned to operate a mine-sweeping plane on the route from Mariupol to
Yeisk. The harbor entrance of Temryuk is blocked by a sunken lighter,
even for minesweepers. 8 new motor barges of the Danube Flotilla
arrived at Sulina and are proceeding to Constanta. Due to bad weather
all PT boat and subchaser activity during the night of 27 Aug. was
cancelled. Convoy operations in the Black Sea proceeded without in-
terference. A Rumanian ship struck a mine and sank in the Kilia
estuary. An old influence mine was probably responsible.
VIII. Situation East Asia
According to a U.S. Navy Department communique, the Japanese
surface forces seem to have withdrawn to the waters off Tulagi. The
Americans expect a resumption of the offensive after the Japanese
have regrouped their forces.
IX. Army Situation
1. Russian Front ;
Army Group A :
Enemy air activity continued undiminished at the sectors
of Army Group Ruoff . The Rumanian Division and the western wing of
the V Army Corps gained 12 km. against stubborn enemy resistance.
Pressure on our advancing spearheads continues. Novorossisk is under
fire of our artillery. Our divisions at Baksansk and Mozdok were
under heavy enemy gunfire. Most of the LII Army Corps reached the
area northeast of Mozdok. The 16th Motorized Division advanced
north and captured the lake area aX Malyye-Derbety together with the
4th Rumanian Division.
Army Group B :
The situation south of Stalingrad is unchanged. The supply
road for our forces which reached the Volga River was freed and at-
tacks against it were repulsed thanks to the splendid support of the
-31+8-
CONFIDENTIAL
28 Aug. 1942
Air Force. Tank attacks south of Kremensk were repulsed with partic-
ularly severe enemy losses. In the eastern section of the Don River
bend and in the area west of Serafimovich the enemy made some gains.
Strong enemy pressure rests on the right wing of the -8th Italian
Army.
Central Army Group ;
The expected general enemy offensive under the Commander
in Chief of the Central Front, General Zhukov, was launched on a
broad front in the area between Sukhinichi and Byelev after a strong
artillery barrage and with the support of strong air forces. Thus
far our infantry and artillery strongly supported by our Air Force
succeeded in repelling all attacks.
Strong enemy gunfire in the area south of Vyazma. Also .the expected
offensive against the northern Rzhev front began at the 9th Army
sector, following the most vehement artillery barrage and with the
participation of large numbers of tanks; it was repulsed on the whole
in spite of great enemy superiority. The large-scale attack was soon
reduced to local actions which were frequently joined by our Air
Force with good results.
Northern Army Group : '
All enemy efforts to break through the land bridge to the
II Army Corps failed. The enemy renewed his attacks southeast of
Schluesselburg. Enemy forces which succeeded in penetrating into our
lines were either sealed off or forced to withdraw.
2. Finnish Front ;
Nothing to report.
3. North Africa :
Nothing to report.
tKHMHtiMHMHHHMKHHMHKMHMHHHi'
-&9-
CONFIDENTIAL
29 Aug. 1942
Items of Political Importance
In the opinion of the Anglo-American press the Allied plans for an
offensive in North Africa have gained new importance because of
Brazil's entry into the war. The strategic importance of Dakar is
stressed and it is emphasized in this connection that the fate Of
French North Africa depends on the outcome of the battle in Egypt.
If Laval should completely comply with Germany's plans, the Allies
will be forced to act quickly and forcefully. In an Argentine
newspaper U.S. Admiral Woodward is also quoted as saying that the
Allies will strike a surprise blow against Dakar and the Atlantic
islands which they will capture in a lightening move similar to the
invasion of I.Iadagascar. These steps are necessary to protect Brazil
and in order to strengthen the Allied position with regard to Spain.
Concerning the shipping situation the Swedish press reports that
London circles are talking of a change in submarine warfare, due to
the fact that the losses of Allied tonnage have constantly decreased
since last July. This improvement is credited to the effectiveness
of the anti-submarine protection, the spectacular success of the
Sunderland and Catalina planes, and finally to the aerial attacks
on German submarine bases and shipyards.
Commerce Minister Dalton also stressed the decreasing sinkings, but
stated at the same time that the losses sustained since last March
were so severe that imports must be heavily curtailed for some
time to come. In June The Economist was very pessimistic with re-
gard to the progress of American shipbuilding, which allegedly lagged
28$ behind the'scheduled figure of 1,000,000 tons in the first
quarter of 1942. Admiral Land termed the scarcity of tonnage the
most serious threat confronting the U.S.A.
A news agency report from New York discloses that maritime insurance
companies have announced the first reduction in v/ar risk insurance
rates comprising 17 to 20$ since the outbreak of the v/ar in view of
the continuous improvement of the convoy system.
British strategy is criticized in a noteworthy article in the 19th
Century magazine which states that under the present system politics
and strategy are constantly at odds and that the setup of the
supreme war council is completely inadequate.. For details see
Political Review No. 202, paragraph 3.
Uruguay ;
The German Ambassador at Buenos Aires reports that the government
of Uruguay is searching for a pretext to enter the war; such an
opportunity might present itself if the steamer PRESIDE17TE TERRA,
scheduled to sail from New York for Montevideo at the end of August,
is sunk.
Special Items :
I. Several minefields (flanking barrages in northern Norway, the
northern North Sea, the Strait of Sicily, etc.) offer the enemy
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29 Aug. 1942
a relatively safe opportunity to break through due to the lack of anti-
sweeping devices effective at water depths exceeding 100 m. The Naval
Staff therefore asked the Naval Ordnance Division, Underwater Obstacles
Branch for a cutter float suitable for depths of 100 to 500 m. These
cutter floats will go into production at once.
Naval Groups North, West, and South, the Commanding Admiral, Norway, the
German Naval Command, Italy, and the Admirals, Aegean Sea and Black Sea
are notified of the above by the Naval Staff and requested to report
their requirements for already existing or planned minefields.
II. The Naval Staff issued a directive for the disposition of our
fleet forces for the coming months to Groups North and West, and the
Fleet, with copies to the Chief, Naval Staff Quartermaster Division,
the Naval Aide to the Fuehrer, the Naval Liaison Officer to the Army
High Command, and the Naval Representatives on the Air Force Operations
Staff and the Army Operations Staff. For copy no. 9 of this directive
see l/Skl la 1674/42 Gkdos. Chefs, in War Diary, Part C, Vol. Ha.
III. Vice Admiral Krancke, -the Permanent Representative of the Com-
mander in Chief , Navy at the Fuehrer Headquarters, notified the Chief,
Naval Staff Operations Division by telephone on 27 Aug. 1942 of the
following:
The Fuehrer remarked during a conference:
a. The creation of an independent operational Air Force has
proved successful, since it gave the Supreme Command a free hand to
concentrate its strength in accordance with the developments of the sit-
uation by transferring air force units rapidly to any desired zone.
b. The aircraft carriers are a naval matter, and the organiza-
tion of the air forces for the carriers should be made in close touch
with the Air Force.
Situation 29 Aug. 1942
I. ■ War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
Notrth. Atlantic :
On 27 Aug. the Italian tanker ARC0LA (position 06° 48 » N,
37° 40' W) took over the survivors of a British steamer sunk by a sub-
marine.
South Atlantic :
In connection with the reported cutting of the cable from
Casablanca to Pakar, L the French cable-layer ARAG0 left Dakar on 27 Aug,
under protection of a French warship to make the necessary repairs in
the v/aters off Cape Cantin.
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29 Aug. 1942
The U.S. cruiser OMAHA and the destroyer DAVIS cancelled scheduled
festivities and left Montevideo unexpectedly on 25 Aug. According
to a situation report by the Commanding Admiral at Capetown, a sub-
marine is suspected in the vicinity of St. Helena.
Indian Ocean :
The Chief of the East India Naval Station reported on 13
Aug. his intention of dispatching a ship of the India Fleet, probably
a cruiser, to England for boiler, repair .
2. Own Situation :
At 1957 the following short signal was received from ship
»23»». "Dismissed supply ship on 29 Aug. Fuel supply sufficient
until 6 Dec."
The Naval Staff confirms receipt of the message by Radiogram 2201.
At 2058 the following short signal from ship "28" was received:
"Position in quadrant GY 51. Shifting to South African operations
area (west). Supplies sufficient for 6 months. Have used 20$ of
medium caliber ammunition. n
The Naval Staff confirms receipt by Radiogram 2259.
The above reports confirm that operations of both
auxiliary cruisers are proceeding according to
plan and that the search by American warships was
futile.
Enemy situation report to all ships in foreign waters by Radiogram
1708.
The German Naval Command, Italy reports the positions of the
Italian tankers ARCOLA and TAIGETE on 28" Aug., and the German
Armistice Commission reports the positions of the French steamers
in the Atlantic. (See Telegrams 0245 and 1240.)
II. Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance during the morning sighted a cruiser
and 3 destroyers south of Portsmouth and in the afternoon 5 steamers
in the harbor of Falmouth and a destroyer just entering port.
2, Own Situation :
Atlantic Coast :
The 3rd Torpedo Boat Flotilla arrived at Nantes. An ex-
ploratory sweep of the outer channels of the southern Bay of Bis-,
cay proceeded without particular incident.
Channel Coast :
During the night of 28 Aug. the 5th PT Boat Flotilla con-
ducted a reconnaissance sweep of the Bale de-la Seine and north of
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29 Aug. 1942
Le Havre without success.
During the day enemy planes operated over the entire Channel area.
Mine sweeper 13 "3606" was sunk by a direct hit during a bomber
attack on Ostend; it will be possible to salvage the ship. Other-
wise nothing to report.
III. North Sea, N or way', Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea :
Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
Own Situation :
Enemy motor gunboat attacks on our convoys in quadrants
AN 8265 and AN 0267 were successfully repulsed during the night of
28 Aug. 2 of the attacking boats were damaged. At 0700 there was
an exchange of gunfire between a Spitfire and ships of the Rhine
Flotilla off Flushing; both sides scored hits.
The Commanding Admiral, Defenses, North reports 11 ground mines
swept off Terschelling, Borkum, and Ameland.
2. Norway :
Nothing to report from the area of the Commanding Ad-
miral, Norway.
Special Items ;
With reference to the planned minefields in the Krnstiansand South-
Stavanger area (see War Diary 24 Aug. and 26 Aug.) it is belatedly
reported that the Naval Staff, in view of the loss of the steamers
BOLTENHAGEN and GE0RG L.M. RUSS, on 17 Aug. called the attention of
Group North to the necessity of fighting enemy submarines off the'
Norwegian southwest coast with mines. Due to the importance of this
measure which is to benefit primarily the safety of merchant vessels
proceeding close to shore, the Naval Staff examined all objections
presented by the interested parties and came to the following con-
clusions :
a. Mines laid at 17 m. depth are ineffective against sub-
marines proceeding at periscope depth.
b. Mines laid at 12 m. depth prevent passage of heavy ships.
c. The chances that the enemy will locate our ships are con-
sidered equal on inner and outer routes.
d. Cooperation with fighter planes is more difficult on the
outer routes, since the planes cannot find our ships so easily as on
the inner routes. An investigation will have to be made to decide
whether this difficulty can be overcome by suitable measures, for
instance in the field of communication,, or whether fighter protection
» *
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CONFIDENTIAL
29 Aug. 1942
should be done away with altogether. .
e. Ships approaching Egersund could be given nore freedom of
movement by widening the minefree sector. Otherwise the location as
well as the type of the existing minefields seem to be satisfactory.
The Naval Staff notifies the Fleet and Group North, with copy to the
Commanding Admiral, Norway, of the above comment.
As established by the Commanding Admiral, "Submarines, the most favor-
able depth for laying mines against attacking submarines is 11 m. ; the
maximum depth at which mines are effective against British submarines
at periscope depth is 12.5 m.
This fact, too, is brought to the attention of the Fleet and Group
North, with copy to the Commanding Admiral, Norway.
3. Arctic Ocean ;
Enemy Situation ;
According to an intelligence report from Iceland,, all except
10 of the ships lying in Hval Fjord sailed about 10 Aug. fpr an un-
known destination. A convoy of 5 ships left Reykjavik in the morning
of 24 Aug.
According to the radio intercept service, the Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet repeatedly received radio messages both from Reykjavik and from
England after 27 Aug. so that it may be assumed that he is at sea.
Own Situation ;
The 5th Destroyer Flotilla is ordered to pick up the SCHEER.
The Naval Staff informs the Air Force Operations Staff of the termina-
tion of operation '^Vunderland" .
The ULI.I is directed by the Admiral, Arctic Ocean to withdraw to the
north for about 3 days due to lack of reliable information on the en-
emy situation, in case the ship is not closer than 300 miles from the
North Cape.
Group North consented to the step taken by the Admiral, Arctic Ocean,
i.e. to withdraw the submarines operating in the Iceland area and to
station them in the Bear Island passage; the Group recommends in view
of the unclarified enemy situation that the submarines in the Spits-
bergen area be relieved periodically. Special attention should be
given to reconnoitering the shipping route from north of Spitsbergen
to North East Land by a submarine.
The Naval Staff directs the Commanding Admiral, Submarines and Group
North, with copy to the Admiral, Arctic Ocean, to carry out the mine-
laying mission in Kara Strait with the next type X submarine becoming
available in Germany^ and to consult one another on all details.
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29 Aug. 1942
On 28 Aug. submarine U "209" bombarded the radio station of Chobo-
varicha.
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
With reference to the reinforcement of the Danish coast de-
fenses in the manner of the Westwall, as ordered by the Fuehrer (see
War Diary, 27 Aug.) the Admiral, Denmark reports that he is unable
to make suggestions concerning protection against attacks from sea,
because no additional coastal batteries are being placed at his dis-
posal. With regard to the hedgehog defenses of the Frederik shaven
and Skagen strongpoints, the Commanding General, Armed Forces, Den-
mark will be asked to take all measures required.
Otherwise nothing to report from the area of the Commanding Admiral,
Defenses, Baltic Sea.
In the area, of the Commander, Mine Sweepers, Baltic Sea the laying
of the "Seeigel" minefields had to be postponed further' on account
of bad weather. Troop and leave transports proceeded according to
plan.
V. Merchant Shipping
A U.S. periodical discusses the difficulties of the supply
problem confronting the Allies on account of the great distances
involved. A survey of this question and other information is con-
tained in short report No. 27/42 of the Naval Intelligence Divi-
sion, Foreign Merchant Marines Branch.
VI. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation :
In the North Sea a British plane attacked a submarine
at 14 55 140 miles northwest of Stadtland. 2 other planes were
ordered to chase the submarine.
Undoubtedly the enemy is not unaware of the large
numbers of operational submarines which left
Germany during the last few weeks and is thus,
quite logically, trying to combat them at the points
where they emerge from the North Sea.
Lively reconnaissance activity in the western Bay of Biscay. A
westbound submarine was reported at 1616 by a plane 220 miles
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29 Aug. 1942
northwest of Cape Ortegal.
A number of submarine sighting reports were intercepted from off the
American east coast and the West Indies.
2. Own Situation ;
See Situation, Arctic Ocean for reports on operations of
the submarines in that area.
Submarine U "517" sank a 2,500 GRT steamer at the entrance to Belle
Isle Strait, which had previously been toroedoed by submarine
U "165".
Prom the West Indies, submarine U "66" reports sinking steamer
TOPA TOPA (5,356 GRT), en route from Trinidad to Freetown and es-
corted by a plane, in quadrant EO 3325. Submarine U "164" sank a
6,000 GRT steamer in quadrant EC 2728, and submarine U "509" shot
at but probably missed a submarine trap in quadrant DQ 9192.
Submarine U "566" of the South Atlantic group which had been rammed
and damaged was ordered to return home.
In the North Atlantic a new group "Stier" consisting of 6 submarines
will form a patrol line from quadrant AL 7128 to AL 7851.
For additional reports see supplement to submarine situation in War
Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
Special Items :
a. Following a report by the Foreign Minister, the Fuehrer
ordered that the permission to take war measures against Brazil
granted by the Armed Forces High Command, Operations Staff on 23
Aug. is to be limited for the time being, so that submarine opera-
tions off the Brazilian harbors and inside a 20 miles strip along
the coast are prohibited. A final decision about our future be-
havior toward Brazil will follow in about 2 weeks-.
For copy of the corresponding directive of the Armed Forces High
Command, Operations Staff see Telegram 1750.
b. The Naval Staff Operations Division submitted to the Na-
val Representative on the Air Force Operations Staff the map shown
the Fuehrer by the Commander in Chief, Navy on the occasion of his
report on 26 Aug. This map shows the activities of the British
air forces in the southern rendezvous area. At the same time the
Naval Representative on the Air Force Operations Staff was notified
that the Commander in Chief, Navy once more informed the Fuehrer
of his conviction that it is necessary to assign He 177' s to the
operations in the Atlantic, and that the Fuehrer agreed with this
opinion without making a definite promise. See l/Skl la 20970/42
Gkdos. in War Diary, Part C, Vol. V.
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29 Aug. 19 42
VII. Aerial Warfare
1. . British Isles and Vicinity :
Fighter bomber attacks were carried out during the day on
towns in the south of England and on ships in the Channel. A 5,000
GRT steamer was sunk in the harbor of Falmouth and 2 escort vessels
were damaged off Dungeness.
2. Incursions' !
There were 73 enemy incursions from the east during the
night of 29 Aug., 70 of them penetrating into Germany and reaching
as far as Grodno, Breslau, Dresden, Berlin, and Stralsund. Bombs
were dropped on Koenigsberg and 17 towns in East Prussia; at Berlin
on the suburbs of Friedrichsfelde, Neukoelln, and Schoeneberg. No
enemy planes were shot down.
3. Mediterranean Theater :
A destroyer north of El Daba was damaged during an air
attack. Otherwise only escort and reconnaissance activity.
4. Eastern Front :
53 enemy planes were shot down at the various Army
sectors* The harbors of the eastern Black Sea were reconnoitered.
VIII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean ;
According to an intelligence report from Spain, 2
battleships and 5 destroyers entered the harbor of Gibraltar in
the afternoon from the west. According to an Italian report the
battleships are the MALAYA and the RESOLUTION. Radio monitoring
indicates that they are the ships which were northwest of the Cape
Verde Islands and west-northwest of Freetown in the evening of
25 Aug. An Italian report states that 14 blacked-out ships on an
easterly course were sighted at midnight on 29 Aug. in the Strait
of Gibraltar.
An intelligence report from Spain, based on a British source at
Tangier, states that a major convoy is going to sail through the
Strait of Gibraltar in .the night of 29 Aug. with British and Ameri-
can troops and war material for Malta and Alexandria . The source
is said to be a trustworthy agent who has proved his reliability
in 3uch matters.
4 destroyers fired on the coast near El Daba in the early morning
hours. Air reconnaissance spotted the force on an easterly course
west of Alexandria. One of its destroyers was damaged in an air
attack and was in tow.
In the evening radio monitoring intercepted messages from British
planes which shadowed Axis convoys in the area betv/een Greece and
North Africa and reported successful attacks on them.
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29 Aug. 1942
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean :
During the night of 28 Aug. Tobrul: was heavily attacked
from the air; no damage occurred in the harbor. The bombarding of
the coast near El Daba was ineffective.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa :
The sinking of steamer DIELPI (see War Diary 28 Aug.)
caused the loss of 512 tons of German supplies for the Armed Forces.
Otherwise nothing to report on * the transport situation.
Special Items :
The Naval Staff brought to the attention of the German Naval Command,
Italy the directive of the Armed Forces High Command, Operations
Staff issued to the German General attached to Headquarters of the
Italian Armed Forces with reference to the effective mining of the
Strait of Sicily (see War Diary 14 Aug.). In this connection the Na-
val Staff remarked that the experiences with the latest convoy at the
middle of August proved that the minefields there offer no obstacle
to enemy movements and that it must therefore be attempted to in-
crease their effectiveness. To this end the mines must not only be
laid closer together, but ways must also be found to render their
sweeping more difficult. This can be tried by using deeper influence
mines and anti-sweeping devices. It is being investigated at present
whether cutter floats for greater depths can be provided.
The Naval Staff inquired about the effectiveness of the minefield
off Cape Bon (see War Diary 27 Aug.); in its reply the German Naval
Command, Italy reports that reconnaissance gives no clear picture
about the enemy's actual route. There are indications that he may
have passed directly off Cape Bon, that is within French territorial
waters, then proceeded within these waters as far as quadrant CN
2197, and from this point headed directly for Malta. The same route
may have been used for the return. According to reconnaissance
photos, the destroyers proceeded north of Bizerte with paravanes.
The above route crosses the newly-laid Italian minefield. The
Italian assertion that 3 steamers struck mines in this field has not
been confirmed so far. The minefield was laid out in the right place
in order to close the gap of the existing barrage system.
The Naval Staff is convinced that effective s-ealing of the French
territorial waters is still of paramount importance. The weakness
of the Italian alarm minefield was its lack of anti-sweeping de-
vices. The Naval Staff calls the attention of the German Naval Com-
mand, Italy to the necessity of laying several rows of cutter
floats, prior to the laying of a planned new alarm minefield.
4. Area Naval Group South :
Aegean Sea :
Nothing to report.
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CONFIDENTIAL
29 Aug. 1942
Black Sea ;
Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance observed lively convoy traffic off the
southeast coast in the early forenoon. 5 southbound convoys, each
consisting of one escorted steamer or tanker, were sighted between
Tuapse arid Poti, all of which were under the protection of a remote
escort formed by the KRASNY KRIM and 2 destroyers. Photo recon-
naissance of Poti at 0623 disclosed the presence of 1 battleship,
1 battleship hull, 2 heavy cruisers, 1 training vessel, 4 destroyers',
of which 2 were in dock, 1 torpedo boat in dock, 11 submarines of
which 2 were in dock, and 17 steamers.
Own Situ a tion :
11,1 — ' ■ . i . ^
Minesweeping operations of the Crimean Mine Sweeper Group
and the Naval Special Duties Detachment off Varna proceeded accord-
ing to plan.
Attempts are being made to blow up the wreck blocking the entrance ■
of Temryuk harbor. German motor minesweepers were fired upon in
the afternoon of 28 Aug. off Temryuk by an enemy coastal battery
without result.
The first remote clearance group of the Danube Flotilla is scheduled
to transfer from Feodosyia to Genichesk through the Kerch Strait
during the night of 29 Aug. So far no report about the progress
of this operation lias been received.
Special Items :
a. The urgent warning given by Group South regarding the
inadequate capacity of the Salamis base (see War Diary of 24 Aug.)
confirmed the opinion of the Naval Staff that the strategic develop-
ment in the Mediterranean requires that something must be done
without delay about the submarine base at Salamis. The matter has
been taken up by the Naval Staff Submarine Division with the coopera-
tion of the Naval Staff Operations Division. For copy see l/Skl
20833/42 Gkdos.
b. In accordance with an order by the Commander in Chief,
Navy given in compliance with a Fuehrer directive, the Naval Staff
Submarine Division was instructed by the Chief of Staff, Naval
Staff to increase to 6 the submarines to be transferred from Ger-
many to the Black Sea. 3 additional submarines are thus to be
prepared for transfer.
IX. Situation East Asia
Reports from Chungking assert that Chiang Kai-shek's forces
have recently fought successful operations against the Japanese in
the Chekiang and Kiangsi Provinces and recaptured Chuksien, Siu-
Kiang, Likitan, Tuchang and Yuantang.
:-359-
CONFIDENTIAL
29 Aug. 19 42
Allied Headquarters in Australia announces that the operation of the
land forces at Milne Bay is growing in scope.
X. Amy Situation
■
1. Russian Front :
Army Group A :
The western group of the 5th Army Corps is advancing in the
direction of Anapa. Due to bad road conditions the heavy artillery
cannot follow the troops. Enemy attacks out of Novorossisk and
Tuapse were repelled. Our mountain divisions are fighting for the .
passes north of Sukhumi. The enemy is pressing heavily from the south
and southwest against the expanded bridgehead south of Baksan at the
western wing of the 1st Panzer Army. Strong enemy resistance is en-
countered north of Maisky, too. Northeast of Grozny parts of the 13th
and 23rd Panzer Divisions advancing in a southeasterly direction en-
countered strong enemy forces holding the southern bank of the Terek
River.
Army Group B :
Units of the division advancing toward Astrakhan made con-
tact with the enemy for the first time at Chalchutea. Other units of
the same division blocked the lake area south of Malyye-Derbety.
Divisions of the 4th Panzer Army succeeded by a surprise attack in a
northerly direction in reaching the southwestern bend of the Volga--
Don Canal. Together with divisions of the 6th Rumanian Army Corps
they are carrying the attack to the north and southwest to protect
the western flank. Enemy pressure north of Stalingrad continues. Re-
newed attacks in the Don River bend south of Kremensk are expected.
Italian cavalry' reports the arrival of strong enemy forces also south
of the TChoper River estuary.
Central Army Group ;
In the area south of Sukhinichi the enemy supported by
ground attack planes, attacked on both sides of the highway from
Tula to I.itsensk following a heavy artillery barrage. All attacks
were repulsed. Other violent continuous attacks in the areas south-
west of Kaluga were repulsed with the effective assistance of our
Air Force. An enemy thrust east of Vyazma was turned back by gun-
fire. All enemy attempts to push back our lines south and north of
Rzhev failed.
Northern Army Group ;
Enemy attacks on the Soltsy bridgehead were repulsed;
south of Voronovo enemy forces which succeeded in penetrating into
our lines on a narrow front were sealed off.
2. Finnish Front ;
The relief operation at the 20th Mountain Army prompted
lively activity of enemy assault detachments.
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29 Aug. 1942
CGMFIDEITTIAL
3.
North Africa:
•» Strang enemy bomber attacks were made during the night oJ
27 Aug. on our southern front sector. Lively enemy harassing- gun-
fire and reconnaissance activity during the day. The enemy con-
tinued i<9 dig in at the northern and central sectors. As reported
by the Air Commander,, North Africa, some of the enemy day fighter
and pursuit planes were withdrawn on 24 and 25 Aug. to the air
bases along the Suez Canal.
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CONFIDENTIAL
30 Aug. 19U2
Items of Political Importanc e
A detailed discussion of Allied interests in West Africa and a
survey of recent British and American statements on the industrial
and shipping situation are contained in Political Review No. 203,
paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Naval Intelligence Division.
"VfcAiy denies Reuter's assertions that Laval's conferences with
Admirals Darlan, Platon, and Auphand were devoted to the question
of the possible use of the French fleet and that Dakar serves
as a base for German submarines and surface forces.
The Turkish press also denies the report that the French and Turkish
governments are negotiating the sale of the French warships at
Alexandria. Rather the negotiations concerned the transport of
American grain on French ships under the French flag.
The enemy landing at Dieppe is the subject of a lengthy statement
by the Armed Forces High Command based on a captured British
operations order. It is meant to prove that the operation of
19 Aug. was not of limited tactical scope but was planned as a
large-scale invasion attempt.
The Naval Staff has already defined its views of the political and
military aspects of the operation (see War Diary 20 Aug.). In its
opinion, these views are confirmed by a study of the enemy operations
order, of which an excerpt was submitted today by Group West. The
assumption that the enemy's principal aim was to deal a severe
blow at the German coastal defenses in the west area Is supported
and emphasized by the enemy's plan to capture, if possible, the
entire divisional staff of the Dieppe sector. This was to create
confusion in the higher commands and seriously upset our defense
plans. This aim could very well have been achieved with the
forces engaged if the surprise element had been maintained, but
these forces were the absolute minimum required for such an opera-
tion. It is Impossible to believe that the enemy's plans went be-
yond this goal, unless we are to accuse him of seriously under-
estimating our defenses and the forces needed and this is hardly
possible. Even if the convoy observed at the time had been
carrying troops for the operation, the most the enemy could have
hoped to do was to establish a bridgehead in the Dieppe area,
which could not have held out longer than a few days in view of
our available reserves. Any other conclusion, as indicated pre*
viously, would be justified only if landings had actually been
undertaken simultaneously in several coastal sectors and air-
borne forces had been dropped behind our lines. There are no
indications of such intentions, however. These facts notwithstand-
ing, the Naval Staff is still of the opinion that the Dieppe
operation constitutes a serious reverse for the enemy In view
of its implications with regard to the establishment of a
second front and considering the Moscow conferences which have just
been concluded. The military setback is evident from the fact
that the planned objectives were not attained in spite of very
grave losses. It is difficult to evaluate the exact nuisance
effect to us, but it can hardly be denied that a certain degree
of damage was done. Without going into details It consists in
the recognition by our high commands that very considerably man-
power and material must be transferred from the eastern campaign
to the west and north areas. This is evidenced by the latest
directive concerning reinforcement of our entire coastal defense
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CONFIDENTIAL
30 Aug. I9I4.2
system along the lines of the Westwall.
The Naval Staff is unaware of the reasons which caused the- Armed
Forces High Command to evaluate the operation as it did in the
release of JO Aug. (Tr. N.: The rest of this paragraph was crossed
out by the Chief of Staff, Naval Staff on 11 Sep. 1942.) Probably
apart from convincing public opinion on both sides that future
invasions are useless, it was hoped to use the events of 19 Aug.
to justify the fact that considerable forces are committed in the
west and north areas and are withdrawn from the east.
In order not to lessen the desired effect, it is self-evident that
the commands involved must adhere to the chosen course. This
explains why the Permanent Representative of the Commander in
Chief, Navy at Fuehrer Headquarters stated that the study of the
enemy's operations orders actually led to the published conclusions
Thus the announcement of the Armed Forces High Command retains the
effectiveness needed to accomplish its purpose. <
Situation 50 Aug. 1942
I. War in Foreign Waters
1. Enemy Situation :
North Atlantic :
Reuter reports that conferences took place in Washington
concerning the coordination of Allied military communications.
According to Japanese reports, the Brazilian Government vainly
asked the Portuguese Government for the use of the Azores for
the duration of the war.
This report does not sound very credible in view
of Brazil's indecision with regard to active and
aggresive warfare.
According to Radio Daventry military authorities of Uruguay and
Brazil conferred about Uruguay's active-participation in U.S.
and Brazilian defense plans.
Indian Ocean :
According to the radio intercept service the commander
in chief in the Indian Ocean suggested to the Admiralty that con-
voys to the Middle East and the Persian Gulf be designated by
the letters AP. Convoy AP 1 consisting of 3 ships, proceeding
at a speed of 17 knots to Simons Town, was located at 35 S,
33° E.
2» Own Situation :
At 2057 ship "10" reported by short signal: "Dismissed
supply ship in quadrant KT 57 •"
Thus the 3rd auxiliary cruiser within 2J4. hours
has also given a reassuring sign of life.
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CONFIDENTIAL
30 Aug. IS ^2
The Naval Staff confirms receipt of the message by Radiogram
2152.
Enemy situation report to all ships in foreign waters by Radio«
gram O525.
II. Situation V/est Area'
1, Enemy Situation :
It is learned from the Naval Attache at Buenos Aires
that according to a map in the possession of the British Naval
Attache, invasion barges and tugboats are concentrated at Top-
sham near Exeter, besides those at Eastbourne.
Air reconnaissance reported no shipping in the British Channel
but observed mine-sweeping activity between Dover and Beachy
Head during the afternoon.
t
2. Own Situation ;
Atlantic Coast :
Nothing to report on the naval situation.
As a result of conferences with Group West, the i+th Coastal Patrol
Force, and the captains of the blockade-runners UCKERMARK and
WESERLAND, the Naval Staff Operations Division, Merchant Ships
reports that since ships are located easily by planes during the
night and moonlit nights are more favorable for anti-aircraft
defense, it is suggested that the Naval Staff no longer insist
that blockade-runners use the new moon period to break through,
but recommend to the Group that the breakthrough of the blockade -
runners should rather be made solely dependent on the convoy
situation.
In complying with this suggestion Group West is informed that the
Naval Staff does not insist on the new moon period and that the
date for blockade-running attempts is to be determined primarily
by weather conditions and the convoy situation, independent of
the moon phase.
Channel Coast ;
Mine -laying operations of the 2nd, l^th and 5th PT Boat
Flotillas are scheduled for the night of 30 Aug. Otherwise
nothing to report.
III. North Sea, Norway, Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea t
Enemy Situation ;
Nothing to report.
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30 Aug. I9I4.2
Own Situation ;
Convoy and patrol services according to plan, 2 mines
were swept "by mine-exploding vessels in the area of the Com-
manding Admiral, Defenses, North.
2. Norway ;
Enemy air activity is reported in the Bergen area
on 29 Aug. and off Lister on 30 Aug. Otherwise nothing to report,
3. Arctic Ocean ;
Enemy Situation ;
Air reconnaissance reported 15 coastal vessels at
Iokanga on 29 Aug. On the same day 5 steamers and I4 mine-
sweepers were observed proceeding on a northerly course off
Kanin Nos. On 30 Aug. 5 steamers and 3 patrol vessels were
sighted on an easterly course west of Kanin Nos.
No tactical information was obtained from reconnaissance con-
ducted from O53O to I72O in the area between Iceland and tJan
Mayen as far as the east coast of Greenland.
Own Situation;
Ocean ;
At 0013 cruiser SCHEER reported to the Admiral, Arctic
"a. According to statements from war prisoners and our observations,
convoy shipping from Vilkitski Strait to Dickson Island generally
uses the inner coastal route and the passage between the Norden-
skioeld Archipelago* This fact is important for submarine operations=
Convoys are escorted by heavily armed ice breakers. A convoy
was observed anchored in Vilkitski Strait at the latitude of Hansen
Island close to shore with the wind from the east,
(The Naval Staff is unable to identify Hansen Island,
only Nansen Island.)
"b. I recommend that the Nordenskioeld passages, the inner and
outer coastal shipping lanes, the northern Yermak Bank, and the
coastal route south of the Nena Islands (principal island Krakovka
750 1^2' N, 88° I4.O » E) be mined immediately. In my opinion such
a follow-up of operation "Wunderland" offers the possibility of
paralyzing maritime shipping to Siberia during the summer. I do
not hesitate to recommend sending on this mission a fast mine-
laying vessel equipped with ship-borne planes."
The Admiral, Arctic Ocean orders the SCHEER to report whether the
single ship located by submarine U "255" in quadrant AF 8260
on 27 Aug. could have been the SCHEER.
At 0i4.ll submarine U "I4.56" reports being pursued by a search
group of i| destroyers in quadrant AT 725&«
At O339, cruiser SCHEER informs the Admiral, Arctic Ocean as
follows;
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JO Aug. I9I4.2
"a. Sank icebreaker ALEKSANDER SIBIRYAKOV off Vilkltski Strait.
"b. Raided shipping center Dickson Harbor during night of 25 Aug.;
entered roadstead, severely damaged icebreaker TAIMYR and a
5,000 GRT tanker during ensuing gunbattle. The latter probably
exploded subsequently. Main radio station, lighthouse with direction
finder, and signal station destroyed. Observed severe damage, >
detonations and widespread fires in harbor installations and town.
A hitherto unknown 13 cm. coastal battery participated in the
action."
In reply to the inquiry of the Admiral, Arctic Ocean (see above)
the SCHEER reports her position at the time in question as 20 miles
southeast of that of submarine U "255". The SCHEER assumes that
the submarine must have sighted either the ULM or a single enemy
ship, since conditions In this area are particularly favorable
for single ships.
The Admiral, Arctic Ocean reports the successes of the "Wunderland"
operation by Telegram 0955*
The 5th Air Force reports the exact positions of the 10 mines
dropped off Archangel on>29 Aug. by Telegram 1135 •
IV. Skagerrak, Baltic Sea Entrances, Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation :
According to radio monitoring, Moscow announced the
return of a Russian submarine to base following the alleged
sinking of I4. ships In the Baltic Sea.
2. Own Situation :
Nothing to report from the area of the Commanding Admiral,
Defenses, Baltic Sea.
3 mines were swept west of Ruegen.
Group North expressed agreement with the Admiral, Denmark regarding
the reinforcement of the coastal defenses- (see War Diary 29 Aug.).
According to an oral report from the Naval Attache at Stockholm,
the Swedish Navy reported that an unsuccessful submarine attack
was made in the Aland Sea on a westbound convoy at 0830.
Transports and convoys in the area of the Commander, Mine Sweepers,
Baltic Sea proceeded according to plan. The 1st and 2nd sections
of the special Irun transport (3rd Mountain Division) Is under way
to Reval.
Group North protests against the interference with the authority
of the convoy commander by the Naval Attache at Stockholm, who
ordered the Irun squadrons stopped off Trelleborg because they
proceeded without Swedish escort. The matter Is being Investigated
by the Naval Staff.
An enemy submarine in the entrance of Irbe Strait was attacked
with depth charges. The laying of the "Seeigel" minefields had
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30 Aug. 1942
to be. postponed again due to bad weather.
V. Submarine VJarfare
1. ' Enemy Situation :
Lively reconnaissance activity of the 15th and 19th Air
Force groups. 24 planes were observed over the Bay of Biscay.
Planes reported in the early afternoon a westbound submarine 240
miles northwest of Cape Vilano and a submarine on a southerly
course south of the Faeroe Islands.
A report of a submarine attack was intercepted from the area
east of Trinidad. Submarine sighting reports were sent from the
northern exit of Belle Isle Strait and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
2. Own Situation :
See Own Situation, Arctic Ocean for operations of the
Norwegian submarine group.
2 submarines are ordered to operate off Lisbon. They are to
observe the 3 mile limit strictly, and to take care not to be
detected.
The second weather buoy laid at Porcupine Bank by submarine U
"516" is apparently out of commission. Following an IS hour
chase the boat sank the 10,600 GRT tanker JACK CARNES in quadrant
CE 2659. She carried ballast. 7 shots were required to finish
her.
2 submarines operating off the' American coast receive permission
to enter the St. Lawrence Gulf through Belle Isle Strait at their
discretion if moonlight conditions are favorable.
In the West Indies a 9,000 GRT tanker was sunk in quadrant ED
9923 by submarine U "564". Submarine U "66" sank a 4,500 GRT
steamer and steamer SIRE JUAN (5,200 GRT). Submarine U "162"
sank the steamer STAR OF 0RANJE (7,735 GRT).
No reports were received from the submarines operating in the
Freetown area or from Group "Eisbaer".
For additional reports see supplement to submarine situation
in War Diary, Part B, Vol. IV.
VI. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity :
Nothing to report.
2. Incursions :
Only a few enemy planes penetrated into the occupied
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30 Aug. 19i+2
territories.
3. Mediterranean Theate" ;
t ■
Nothing to report.
1+. Eastern Front ;
Operations by 2,000 of our planes resulted in 92 enemy
planes shot down by fighters and 16 by anti-aircraft artillery.
Reconnaissance activity in the Black Sea, the Gulf of Finland
and the Arctic Ocean.
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation, Mediterranean ; ..
A large loaded U.S. tanker arrived at Gibraltar on
29 Aug. and a destroyer on 30 Aug., both from the Atlantic.
According to an intelligence report from Spain, 2 battleships,
2 cruisers, one of which .vas in dock, 1 auxiliary cruiser,
6 destroyers, at least 6 submarines, 2i| steamers, and 10 tankers
were in Gibraltar harbor at 11+30. 7U planes were in the harbor
and on the airfield.
The li). blacked-out ships reported on 29 Aug. passing through the
Strait of Gibraltar on an easterly course have not arrived at
Gibraltar, and were not located anywhere in the western Mediter-
ranean. The report must be considered doubtful.
Air reconnaissance sighted few ships in the eastern Mediterranean
between Port Said and Haifa. A small British detachment tried
to land on Cerigotto Island; the attempt was repulsed without
difficulty according to an Italian report.
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean ;
The damaged destroyer which was observed being towed
toward Alexandria on 29 Aug. was not torpedoed by planes, but,
as reported by the Italians, by an Italian PT boat off El Daba.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa ;
During the night of 29 Aug. the escorted steamer
GUALDI was unsuccessfully attacked by enemy planes while pro-
ceeding from Taranto to Tobruk. Steamer ARMANDO which ran
aground off Call via on 27 Aug. was refloated and continued
to Tripoli. On 30 Aug. at llj.16 the Italian tanker SAN ANDREA
was torpedoed and set afire off Cape San Maria di Leuca by
enemy planes despite her strong escort. At 1300 enemy surface
forces attacked a convoy of naval barges proceeding from
Marsa Matruh to Tobruk. Details of the incident have not yet
been received.
Supply traffic from Italy and Greece to North Africa and
African coastal shipping proceeded according to plan.
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30 Aug. 19]+2
I4.. Area Naval Group South ;
Aegean Sea :
Destroyer HERMES escorted the tanker OSSAG from Candia
to Suda and subsequently arrived at Piraeus. A search of the
Cerigotto area for suspected mines was carried out by the X Air
Corps without result so far. It is planned to continue the search
with subchasers equipped with search gear. Convoy traffic in
the Aegean Sea proceeded according to plan.
Black Sea t
Enemy Situation :
Air reconnaissance at noon of 29 Aug. observed an
unescorted tanker headed for Kerch Strait northwest of Anapa,
an anchored steamer west-northwest of Novorossisk, and patrol
vessels off Tuapse. At noon of J>0 Aug. lively convoy traffic
between Tuapse and Poti and movements of single steamers were
observed. The ship situation in the harbor of Poti is essentially
the same as before. The hull of a heavy cruiser has been added.'
A Bulgarian coast guard station reported sighting a peris'cope
south of Akhtopol.
Own Situation :
The remote clearance group, Including motor minesweeper
R "35"> passed through Kerch Strait en route to Genichesk during
the night of 29 Aug. 2 Italian submarines sailed on 29 Aug.
from Constanta via Sulina for a submarine chase off the Bessarabian
coast. In the morning of 30 Aug. 2 Italian subchasers left
Sulina in an easterly direction. Transport service In the Black
Sea proceeded according to plan without major incident. The
transfer of the Italian motor boats from Feodosyia to Yalta
has been ordered; they will be overhauled and made ready to
be shipped to the Caspian Sea via Mariupol and Rostov.
The situation in Temryuk harbor permits at least 5 naval barges
to be accommodated at the other side of the wreck even in bad .
weather. 200 m. docking space is available inside the harbor.
The harbor itself and the harbor entrance are reported to be
free of mines. Engineers are trying to widen the channel of
the entrance to 12 m. by removal of the wreck.
Special Items :
a. The Naval Liaison Officer at the Army High Command suggested
to Group South and to the Commander in Chief, Navy that an admiral
be assigned as commander in the Caspian Sea. Group South objects
to this plan for the reason that it is useless to set up new
staffs so long as existing ones suffer from lack of personnel,
(This refers to the fact that no chief of staff has been appointed
to the Admiral, Black Sea.) The Group points to the existing
plan according to which the Admiral, Black Sea is to move his
field headquarters forward after fighting In the Black Sea has
ended, and is to occupy himself more and more with the operational
tasks of the Caspian Sea. The Quartermaster Section of the
Admiral, Black Sea will be able to handle all tasks with 2 ex-
perienced naval shore commands. In the Group's opinion one naval
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CONFIDENTIAL
30 Aug. I9I4.2
shore commander working under the direction of the Admiral,
Black Sea will be able to take care of the necessary tasks in
the meantime, particularly since it will be some time before
naval forces can be transported to the Caspian Sea, due to in-
complete railroad connections. Until then the naval shore
commander can handle only coastal tasks. Even if naval missions
in the Caspian Sea should arise before warfare in the Black Sea
has stopped, the Group is convinced that, in view of the few
combat forces involved, the naval shore commander will certainly
be able to handle matters, possibly with the assistance of a
specially assigned staff officer. The whole matter is in the
Group's opinion not urgent enough to justify organizing a new
staff at this time.
The Naval Staff shares the Group's viewpoint.
The Naval Staff Quartermaster Division will attend
to this matter.
b. See Telegram 1250 regarding preparations of Group South for
the organization of radio intelligence and direction finding
services in the Caspian Sea.
c. With reference to the negative attitude of Naval Group
South toward the plan of the Chief Quartermaster, Black Sea
to charge the Navy with all maritime shipping problems in the
Black Sea (see War Diary 27 Aug.), the Naval Liaison Officer
to the Army High Command submits the comments of the Quarter-
master General. His opinion differs from that of Group South,
and he states that military transports will not decrease after
fighting has stopped in the Black Sea ; on the contrary, they will
have to be increased considerably. The Supply and Transportation
Office of the Armed Forces Overseas reports that 200,000 tons of
supplies are scheduled to be shipped during the first month after
shipping to Batum is resumed, and 150,000 tons for each follow-
ing month. To these must be added 5^,000 tons per month for the
Air Force and 25,000 tons for the Navy. The demand that the entire
sea-going tonnage in the Black Sea be taken over by the Navy was
already made on 27 Aug. during a conference with the Supply and
Transportation Office of the Armed Forces Overseas. It is
the Quartermaster General's opinion that the Navy cannot be
excluded from supply transport duties as long as operations in
the Caucasus area are In progress. The Supply and Transportation
Office of the Armed Forces Overseas was called upon to supply
all required shipping space immediately and it requests that the
Navy, too, do everything within its power to provide shipping
space for the Black Sea and to increase the transshipping
capacity of the Rumanian and Bulgarian ports.
The matter is being taken care of by the Naval Staff Quarter-
master Division.
VIII. Situation East Asia
The German Admiral at Tokyo reported that the enemy seized
the airfield being built by the Japanese on Guadalcanal, which
at this time is usable only for fighter planes. Consequently
it must be expected that some of the Japanese transports which
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30 Aug. 19^2
were to bring up reinforcements will be lost. Fighting is still
in progress.
The U.S.. Navy Department announced officially that a large Japanese
destroyer was sunk and another one probably sunk by U.S. planes
on 27 Aug. off Isabel Island.
Aocordlng" to Reuter, the Japanese succeeded in landing some re-
inforcements in Milne Bay on New Guinea.
Reuter published a detailed communique of the U.S. Navy Department
about the U.S. operation in the Solomon Islands between 7 Aug.
and 23 Aug. For details see supplement to Foreign Press Report
No.. 203.
IX. Army Situation
1. Russian Front :
Army Group A * «
Artillery fire from both sides in the Kerch area.
Rumanian forces are advancing on Anapa. Enemy attacks from
the direction of Novorossisk are abating. The heights of
Maruchski Pass were captured. Attacks on parts of the 1st
Panzer Army at Baksan and north of Maisky were repelled. Our ad-
vance in the Baksan sector is making slow headway against strong
enemy pressure. Also north of Grozny enemy resistance is strong.
Army Group B ;
Fighting flared up in the Chalchutea area. Advanced
scouting troops reached the railroad connecting Astrakhan with
the south. A bridgehead across the Volga-Don Canal was established
after enemy resistance was broken. The situation north of
Stalingrad is unchanged. Enemy attacks at both banks of the
Khoper River mouth were repulsed.
Central Army Group ;
Enemy attacks southwest of Kaluga and north of
Kirov subsided somewhat. An enemy attack at Zubtsov in the
Rzhev area was repulsed. A penetration south of Voronova re-
quired countermeasures , and parts of the Grossdeutschland
Division were thrown into the battle . An enemy thrust north-
west of Rzhev failed.
Northern Army Group ;
Enemy attacks on the land bridge to the 2nd Army
Corps and against the bridgehead south of Soltsy were repulsed.
Voronova was lost to the enemy.
2. Finnish Front ;
The enemy reinforced the defenses on the shore of
Lake Ladoga north of Schluesselburg. It has been established
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CONFIDENTIAL .
30 Aug. I9I42
that 2 partisan "brigades were organized at the northern sector
of the Finnish front containing a demolition battalion recruited
from the population, Increased enemy supply traffic was observed
at the Murmansk sector,
3. North Africa *.
No situation report of the Panzer Army, North Africa
has been received up to now.
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31 Aug. 1943
Items of Polltioal Importance
Great Britain ;
Lifting of the ban on the Daily Worker and The Week caused lively
dieous8ion8 inside and outside of Britain about the role of com-
munism in Great Britain's political life. Undoubtedly this measure
is one of the fruits of the Moscow conferences. Even conservative
British newspapers hail the liberalism shown by the decision of
the government.
Swedish newspaper correspondents report that England, too, is
harvesting the richest crop in many years.
Iran ;
The Vichy Telegraphic Service (Ofi) reports that a state of siege
has been declared for the entire country.
U.S.A. :
The former Ambassador t'o Tokyo, Mr. Grew, warned of underestimat-
ing Japan.
France :
According to the Official German News Agency (DNB) , Petain stated
in a speech that he and Laval will carry through the national
revolution In order to build a new France.
Conference on the Situation with the Chief. Naval Staff
I* Report of the Chief. Communications Division. Naval Staff :
a. We notified the Japanese Navy about the information held
by the enemy concerning the disposition of Japanese naval foroes
as disclosed by our radio decoding and monitoring services. The
enemy's findings were apparently correct to a degree which prompted
the Japanese Navy to change its code immediately.
b. Some time ago Reichemarschall Goering told the Chief of
Communications Division, Air Force that he would consent to an
extensive production program for radar sets. Thereupon the Air
Force and the Navy jointly worked out a large-scale program, 80$
of the output of whioh was to go to the Air Force; it was planned,
for instance, to equip 19,000 planes yearly. This program has
now been rejected by the Reichemarschall as not feasible, so that
it is necessary to draft a new curtailed program.
II. Report of the Deputy to the Chief. Quartermaster Division.
Naval 8taff :
a. Battery\"Tirpitz w remains at Constanta for the time
being.
b. Concerning the anti-aircraft defenses of Gdynia and the
practical and successful use of the smoke screen system during
the latest enemy air raid.
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31 Aug. 1942
c. Proposal to install degaussing gear on cruiser EMDEN,
now that the overhaul period of the SCHEER has been postponed,
since the Naval Construction Division believes it is possible to
continue the naval cadet training course during the 8 weeks ship-
yard period at Wilhelmshaven.
The Chief, Naval Staff agrees with this, proposal.
Tn a Verv Restricted Circle:
III. The Chief, Operations Branch, Naval Staff Operations Division
reports on the outcome of operation "Wunderland" as recorded in
Situation, Arctic Ocean.
IV. The Chief, Naval Staff is informed about the present fuel oil
supply of the fleet, which is comparatively ample at the present
time. He desires that an operation similar to "Wunderland" be
considered or planned for the cruiser HIPPER, calling attention to
the psychological effect on the crew.
V. The Chief, Operations Branch, Naval Staff Operations Division
reports on the following:
a. Concerning the transfer of ship "45" from Germany to a
port of departure in the west area: Grouo West suggested that
ship "45" not be transferred to the west area through the Kaiser
Wilhelm (Kiel) Canal but rather through the Skagerrak and the
North Sea, stopping first in a southern Norwegian port. Northern
Norway should be given as her official destination in order to
maintain secrecy by cutting the shore contacts of the crew at
an early date and misleading the crew as well as all shore author-
ities concerned. To this end the Naval Staff is to issue a new
operational order for cruiser warfare in the Arctic Ocean. From
the southern Norwegian port the auxiliary cruiser will then be
ordered to Wilhelmshaven by way of the North Sea, supposedly
because of engine trouble. After leaving Norway the ship is to
assume a new name, be repainted in the Suederpiep, and then join
a westbound convoy of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, North.
To motivate the change in plans, the Group suggests stating that
the presence of 3 auxiliary cruisers in foreign waters and
similar Japanese activity have crowded the zone of operations to
such an extent that a fourth auxiliary cruiser is superfluous
for the time being.
The Naval Staff has strong objections against routing the ship
by way of this long detour through the Baltic Sea entrances, the
Skagerrak, and the North Sea on account of the great danger of
ground mines.
The Chief, Naval Staff shares this opinion.
b. Concerning disposition of the 6th PT Boat Flotilla:
Since it can be anticipated that this flotilla will be ready for
operations between the middle and the end of September it is
necessary to decide about its assignment. The Naval Staff believes
that there is at present no good reason for complying with Group
North's request to transfer the flotilla to the east area, sinoe
there are so far no indications that the Russian fleet will attempt
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CONFIDENTIAL
31 Aug. 1942
a breakthrough from Leningrad. The Chief, Naval Staff agrees with
the following directive to Group West and the Commander, PT Boats
(copies to Group North and the Fleet).
"(l) The 6th PT Boat Flotilla will be put at the disposal of
Group West (Commander, PT Boats) for assignments in the west area.
(3) In case the situation in the Gulf of Finland should take
an unforeseen turn, the flotilla may have to be transferred there
temporarily.
(3) Therefore:
(a) Preparations for a possible transfer to the Gulf
of Finland are to be continued.
(b) The 6th PT Boat Flotilla will for the time being
be stationed in the Dutch area and operate from there. A trans-
fer to the Channel is subject to special permission of the Naval
Staff."
o. In. order to fill Group West's need for additional up-to-
date patrol and escort forces, it is possible not only tq rein-
force the 3rd Torpedo Boat Flotilla, as already reported, with
torpedo boats T "IS' 1 and T "19" which are scheduled to sail for
the west area on 13 Sep., but also to assign the 4 ships of the
5th Torpedo Boat Flotilla. These ships will be ready for opera-
tions at the beginning or middle of September and require a short
training period only, so that they will be available to the Groi?>
in the first days of October. The shipyard overhaul of torpedo
boats T "4" and T "10" can be delayed until the other vessels
arrive. Group West will thus have available 6 torpedo boats
beginning on 13 Sep. and 8 after the beginning of October. . As
reported oyer the telephone by Group West, the allocation of the
5th Torpedo Boat Flotilla would make it unnecessary to allocate
a modern minesweeper flotilla.
The Chief, Naval Staff agrees with the above measures.
d. Concerning the use of amphibious craft and Siebel fer-
ries in an offensive by Army Group B from Stalingrad toward
Astrakhan. As reported by the Naval Liaison Officer to the Army
High Command, Array Group B requested the above-mentioned craft
to support the advance and to protect the flanks for this opera-
tion, which is expected to take about 10 days. The Army Group
was informed by the Liaison Officer that the amphibious craft
are to be moved to Makhach Kala for operations against communica-
tions in the Caspian Sea. They would be useless on the Volga
River because they cannot be proteoted against shelling from land.
They are suitable, however, for operations in the Volga estuary.
The Naval Liaison Officer requests approval of his agreement with
Army Group B that the port commander slated for Astrakhan be
placed at the disposal of the Army Group as adviser as soon as
possible. The Naval Staff gave the requested approval,
\
On 25 Aug. the Naval Liaison Officer to the Army High Command,
reported the proposed size of the forces to participate in the
offensive toward Astrakhan and reported that no decision has yet
been made as to whether ships encountered on the Volga and Akhutba
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31 Aug. 1942
Rivers between Astrakhan and Stalingrad are to be destroyed and
if so, how. The Liaison Officer asks whether it is necessary to
organize a special Volga Flotilla, since the area will not be
occupied permanently by our forces; he points out that mines and
artillery will be needed for the Volga estuary in order to hold
Astrakhan. In the Naval Staff's opinion a Volga flotilla could
not operate as long as the enemy holds the east bank of the river.
The problem of adequate protection of the Volga estuary is being
studied by the Naval Staff Quartermaster Division. The Chief,
Naval Staff shares the above opinion.
e. Regarding the Naval Liaison Officer's proposal to ap-
point an admiral as Commander of the Caspian Sea (see War Diary
of 30 Aug.).
f. The Naval Liaison Officer on the Air Force Operations
Staff reports sb follows:
The recent Russian attacks on German territory originated in the
Toropets area.
The situation on the Schluesselburg sector is threatening. For
this reason some of the bomber forces are being shifted from the
area of the Central Army Group to the 1st Air Force.
The Air Force established that the Don-Caspian Sea Canal has only
been mapped out. Thus there is no connecting waterway.
The operations of the Panzer Armies, particularly those of the
4th Panzer Array, have been badly affected by lack of fuel. In
order to meet the most urgent demands, mobile refineries have
been brought up as a first step.
Flight tests of He 177 *s showed this plane to have a range of
2,250 km. while carrying 4 tons.
On account of repeated reports of enemy intentions to land on the
Norwegian coast, the torpedo plane group was shifted from the west
area to Stavanger. The 5th Air Force was called upon to watch
for any landing attempt and to prevent convoy PQ 18 from slipping
through in small groups via the noithern tip of SDitsbergen, the
west coast of Novaya Zemlya, and the western channel to Archangel.
Our- attacks on England are termed insignificant.
Special Items
The Intelligence Division of the Armed Forces High Command issued
a detailed report on the Russian and British forces in Iran and
the communications and economic conditions there, received from
a reliable intelligence agent who returned from Persia to Turkey
at the end of May. For copy see l/Skl 28912/42 geh. in War Diary,
Part B, Vol. V.
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31 Aug. 1943
Situation 31 Aug. 1943
I. War in Foreign Waters
• 1. Enemy Situation ,:
" North Atlantic ;
According to an intelligence report a British ship of-
ficer stated that a large convoy was scheduled to sail from the
west ooast of either Scotland or northern Ireland approximately
on 20 Aug., supposedly consisting of 25 ships for Gibraltar and
40 ships for the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf by way of the Cape.
The convoy was to be joined en route by a large number of U.S.
troop transports for Iran. Among other ships, 3 auxiliary aircraft
carriers form part of the escort. The convoy is supposed to be
approximately 200 miles west of Oape St. Vincent between 4 and 6
Sep. The same source reports that a new attempt will be made to
get a convoy through the Mediterranean supported by strongest air-
craft escort.
South Atlantic : '
According to evidently wrong British radar location, a
submarine was supposed to be at 15° S, 38° W on 23 Aug. The
ALCANTARA was last heard of on 2 Aug. from the usual patrol area
between the Oape and Freetown at the latitude of Luederitz Bay.
On the same day a group of 2 unidentified vessels and 2 steamers
was at sea off Tristan da Cunha headed for the Falkland Islands.
The German Consulate at Monrovia reports that Liberia is planning
to draft 5,000 men and to have native officers trained by U.S.
officers.
Indian Ocean :
A Portuguese gunboat rescued survivors of the steamer
WILFORD, sunk by a Japanese submarine, in the area of the Sambesi
River estuary.
2. Own Situation :
According to the log of ship "28" the light motor tor-
pedoboat has proved generally useful; it. increases the offensive
power of the auxiliary cruiser and makes it possible to pose as
a submarine. Radar set 107 was constantly out of order and thus
never used.
The Naval Staff confirms receipt of the war diary excerpts of
ship H 28 n , promises to study the comments on conversion, and an-
nounces that the supply requests are being taken care of. (See
Telegram 1407.)
Enemy situation report by radiograms 2146 and 2239.
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31 Aug. 1943
1L
Situation West Area
1. Enemy Situation :
At 0540 air reconnaissance sighted 50 steamers and war-
ships on a southerly course in the Dover area. After 1830-5
patrol vessels were observed between the Scilly Islands and Lands
End; otherwise no traffic was noted off the English south and west
coasts*
2. Own Situation ;
Atlantic Coast :
Mine-exploding vessel "7" was damaged while sweeping a
mine west of point "P III"; she can be kept afloat.
Channel Coast :
All 3 PT boat flotillas executed their mine-laying mis-
sions during the night of 30 Aug. according to plan. The 2nd
and 4th PT Boat Flotillas were engaged on this occasion by enemy
destroyers and patrol vessels. For short report see Telegram
1025. The 5th PT Boat Flotilla performed its mission in fog.
For short report see Telegram 1340.
Special Item :
The Commander, Destroyers is forced to withdraw his
offer of assigning torpedo boat T "17" to the 3rd Torpedo Boat
Flotilla (see War Diary 26 Aug.) since torpedo boat T "7", whioh
was supposed to replace torpedo boat T "5", is temporarily out of
commission. (See Telegram 1900.) The Naval Staff is not in-
cluding T "17" in the distribution of torpedo boats. (See Con-
ference on the Situation with the Chief, Naval Staff, paragraph
V c.)
III. North Sea, Norway. Arctic Ocean
1. North Sea :
Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
Own Situation :
An attacking British plane was shot down by patrol ves-
sel VP "1232" north of Terschelling.
2 more ground mines were swept on 30 Aug. On 31 Aug. 10 ground
mines were swept in the area of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses,
North. Mine-exploding vessel "145" struck a mine and is being
towed to the Borkum roadstead.
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CONFIDENTIAL
31 Aug. 1943
Special Item :
The Commanding Admiral, Defenses, North reports that
2 men in a rubber boat could not be rescued by a sea rescue plane
in the minefield area of quadrant AN 4337, since fighter planes
were not available due to the approach of enemy aircraft. Radio
monitoring revealed that these men were taken prisoner by an
enemy plane. Group North remarks in this connection with full
justification that the lack of fighter and reconnaissance planes
in the threatened Dutch area must be remedied at once. (See Tele-
gram 1320.) .
2. Norway and Arctic Ocean :
Enemy Situation :
7 medium-sized steamers were at Iokanga at noon. Air
reconnaissance established a battleship, 3 cruisers, probably an
aircraft carrier, and 12 to 15 steamers at Reykjavik; 5 steamers
were entering the port of Reykjavik. West of Reykjavik 5 steamers
were sighted on easterly oourse. No tactioal information was
gained from reconnaissance in the area from Prince CharJ.es Fore-
land to south of Bear Island.
According to an intelligence report a ship officer stated that a
convoy sailed from the Peterhead area on 25 Aug. for Murmansk and
Archangel.
Own Situation :
On 29 Aug. a Russian battery on Rybachi Peninsula fired
unsuccessfully at a Norwegian trawler in Petsamo Fjord. Sub-
marine ohase and oonvoy servioe in the area of the Commanding
Admiral, Norway proceeded without incident.
Cruiser SCHEER arrived at Narvik at 1800 on 30 Aug.
In spite of being ordered to report at 3 different hours of the
day, the ULM did not report.
Group North was notified by the Naval Staff of the arrival of a
small U.S. escort cruiser and of 2 escort destroyers in Bering
Strait at the end of July which was reported by the Naval Attaohe
at Tokyo.
Submarine U "456" reports being pursued on the evening of 30 Aug.
by 4 minesweepers and escort vessels. She was able to escape
after a long bombardment by utilizing a thin drift ice cover. The
boat is moving to her new zone of operation via quadrant AC 93.
IV. Skagerrak. Baltic Sea Entrances. Baltic Sea
1. Enemy Situation :
Nothing to report.
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CONFIDENTIAL
31 Aug. 1942
2. Own Situation :
In the area of the Commanding Admiral, Defenses, Baltio
Sea enemy air activity was observed in the Skagen area where mines
were probably laid.
The Naval Attache at Stockholm reports that the 2nd I run squadron
was in the northern part of Kalmar Sound at 1520.
An enemy submarine in the western Aland Sea was attacked with
depth charges; Group North assumes that she was destroyed. Nothing
to report from the area of the Commander, '^ine Sweepers, Baltic Sea.
Convoys proceeded according to plan.
V. Submarine Warfare
1. Enemy Situation :
§
Lively reconnaissance activity in the rendezvous area.
Radio monitoring intercepted a convoy approximately 400 miles west
of Brest around 2100 and the report of an unsuccessful depth charge
attack by planes on a submarine. Several planes, reconnoitering
an area extending to about 400 miles west of Brest, were observed
to be maintaining radio communication with an escort vessel.
2. Own Situation :
In the North Atlantic a convoy on an easterly course was
located by submarine U "609" in quadrant AK 2914; shortly there-
after the submarine sank 2 of its steamers, totalling 8,000 CRT.
The convoy is reported to consist of between 30 and 40 steamers.
3 more submarines are operating against it.
Submarines U "558" and U "564" submitted an extensive report on
the situation in the Caribbean Sea and the ocean area of Trinidad.
Submarine U "66" reports sinking a 7,000 GRT tanker in quadrant
EE 9590.
The submarines operating in the western Mediterranean are advised
that new enemy undertakings are to be expected. 3 of the boats
in the eastern Mediterranean are assigned to new attack areas.
For details see supplement to submarine situation in War Diary,
Part B, Vol. IV.
VI. Aerial Warfare
1. British Isles and Vicinity:
Nothing to report.
-38O-
CONFIDENTIAL
31 Aug. 1942
2. Incursions :
No enemy planes were reported over German territory.
Enemy air activity in Denmark, Norway, and western France was
light. «
3. Mediterranean Theater ;
428, planes were engaged in support of our army opera-
tions in North Africa. 8 enemy planes were shot down. Reconnais-
sance missions were flown over the Mediterranean. For resulting
information see Enemy Situation, Mediterranean.
4. Eastern Front ;
74 enemy planes were shot down in the course of army
operations.
For results of reconnaissance in the Black Sea and Arctio Ocean
see respective enemy situation reports.
VII. Warfare in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
1. Enemy Situation. Mediterranean ;
Acoording to an Italian report from a reliable source,
the Amerioan war council at Cairo is said to have decided to dis-
continue shipping in the Mediterranean except in an emergenoy.
2 destroyers left Gibraltar during the afternoon for the Atlantic.
An intelligence report from Spain alleges that lights from 29 un-
identified ships coming from the Atlantic and sailing on an easterly
course were observed in Gibraltar Strait during the night of 30
Aug. Air reconnaissance flown today as far as 2° E saw no trace
of this formation or of the one reported observed during the night
of 29 Aug. It may well be that such reports are being planted by
the British intelligence service in order to alarm us and to in-
duce us to withdraw air forces from the central Mediterranean and
North Africa.
Air reconnaissance sighted 3 PT boats on a westerly course south
of Crete at 1530, which subsequently withdrew at top speed south-
east and then east. After darkness contact with them was lost
approximately 100 miles north-northwest of Marsa Matruh. No
other reports of sighting enemy forces were received from the
eastern Mediterranean.
At 1500 the radio intelligence service intercepted reports of
enemy planes about a convoy in the area west of Crete consisting
of 2 tankers and 1 freighter on a 290° course escorted by 3 de-
stroyers, and shortly after midnight reports of another convoy of
2 steamers and 4 destroyers on a northerly course.
•-38I-
CONFIDENTIAL
31 Aug. 1942
2. Own Situation, Mediterranean ;
m
An Italian torpedo boat reports sinking an enemy sub-
marine off Cerigotto on 29 Aug. and shooting down 2 enemy planes
attaoking the escorted steamer GUALDI during the night of 29 Aug.
2 of our PT boats were en route from Augusta to Suda and- 4 from
Suda to Mar 8a Matruh.
The Italian steamer MONSTELLA proceeding in convoy was torpedoed
by an enemy submarine in the afternoon of 30 Aug. in the Ionian
Sea off Paxos. Attempts are being made to tow her to port.
3. Transport of Supplies to North Africa ;
Tanker SAN ANDREA, which was torpedoed on 30 Aug., sank
with 2,285 tons of Otto fuel for the Army and 126 tons of avia-
tion gasoline.
Steamer GUALDI arrived at Tobruk during the forenoon of 30 Aug.
Supply transports from Italy and Greece to North Africa and North
African coastal shipping proceeded otherwise according to plan.
4. Area Naval Group South ;
Aegean Sea ;
The tankers ABRUZZI and P.O. FASSIO arrived at Suda and
will proceed from there to Tobruk and Benghazi respectively in
company of steamer BOTTIGLIERI.
Black Sea ;
Enemy Situation ;
Air reconnaissance reported a southbound convoy of 1
steamer and 1 patrol vessel between Tuapse and Adler. A tanker,
3 steamers, and 10 patrol vessels were sighted off Ochemchiri.
Lively ship traffic was observed in the Caspian Sea and on the
Volga River.
Own Situation ;
During the night of 30 Aug. the 1st PT Boat Flotilla
operated in the area north of Sochi and intercepted an enemy con-
voy protected by a torpedo boat and 4 or 5 PT boats. A 3,000 GR^
tanker and a 1,500 GRT steamer were reported sunk. The enemy used
depth charges in defense.
Italian subchasers operating off Novoros6isk during the same night
sighted no traffic. On the way out they were bombed and strafed
by 6 low-flying enemy fighter planes. During the night of 29 Aug.
our coastal artillery fired on 4 enemy motor boats proceeding
through the Kerch Strait off Chushka Spit; 1 boat was set afire.
Hits were scored also on enemy gunboats off Tuzla Soit. Enemy
guns returned our fire.
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CONFIDENTIAL
31 Aug. 1943
Mine-sweeping operations proceeded according to plan. 9 mines
were swept west of Cape Kherson by the Crimean Mine Sweeper Group.
The remote clearance group arrived at Genichesk on 30 Aug. and
departed for Mariupol on 31 Aug.
A submarine chase off the Bessarabian coast, conducted by Italian
submarines on 30 Aug., was unsuccessful.
Motor minesweeper R "36". secured important maps at Temryuk. The
harbor there is thoroughly destroyed.
Convoy service proceeded according to plan.
Speoial Items :
a. In its' comment to the remarks of the Army Quartermaster General,
Naval Group South points out that it intends to continue to take
care of all military sunply shipments.but to turn over non-military
shipping to the civilian shipping authorities. The Group thus
agrees with the opinion of the Quartermaster General that the Navy
should not be relieved of all supply duties. It is also planned
to maintain fully all of the sea transportation offices An the
western Black Sea area which are serving as ports for the ship-
ment of military supplies for the east area. In the Group's
opinion, however, it is not possible to maintain sea transporta-
tion offices for non-military goods, in view of the lack of of-
ficer personnel. The entire sea-going tonnage available in the
Black Sea is already in the hands of the Navy, but this does not
apply to the Beagoing river vessels used for non-military purposes.
Group South requests the Naval Staff Quartermaster Division to
provide sufficient seagoing shipping space as quickly as possible
in order to be in a position to meet the demand for the trans-
portation of more than 200,000 tons per month. All possibilities
of procuring additional tonnage in the southeast area have been
completely exhausted. Since supply shipping was taken over by
the sea transportation offices, everything possible is being done
to increase the capacity of the Blaok Sea ports. (See Telegram
1735.)
b. According to the Naval Liaison Officer at the Army High Com-
mand, the Army Quartermaster General ordered the Chief Supply and
Administration Officer of the 11th Army to consult the Admiral,
Black Sea about the possibilities of using Sevastopol as a trans-
shipping port in place of Nikolayev and Kherson, until it becomes
possible to use the Caucasian harbors. Daily 1,500 to 2,000 tons
must be handled. The supplies are to be shipped to Kerch or to
the Stalino area via Melitopol. (See Telegram 1900.)
Group South has already been studying the problem
of using the port of Sevastopol for quite some
time. It remains to be seen what stand the Group
will take.
VIII. Situation East Asia
Nothing to report.
-383-
CONFIDENTIAL
31 Aug. 1942
IX. Army Situation
1. Russian Front ;
Army Group A ;
Elements of the Rumanian Army under the personal leader-
ship of the Commander in Chief, Army, General Dumitresou, captured
the town and port of Anapa. In the V Army Corps sector the domina-
ting position in the hills west of Novorossisk has been reached.
Small enemy forces could not be kept from infiltrating northward
south of Krasnodar. The Mountain Division made slow progress
against stubborn enemy resistance. The LII Array Corps is closing
in on Mozdok.
Army Group B :
Chalchutea was captured. A Rumanian attack at the south-
ern wing of the 4th Panzer Army resulted in the capture of Teryaohi.
The 24th Panzer Division broke through the positions north of the
bridgehead across the Don- Volga Canal and reached the railroad
20 km. west of Stalingrad. Enemy pressure east of Kalach lessened*
However, stubborn enemy attacks are being carried on in great
strength against the divisions of the XIV Panzer Corps north of
Stalingrad. An attack launched after strong artillery preparation
south of JCremensk was repulsed with heavy losses to the enemy.
Central Army Group :
Enemy concentrations are reported from the Sukhinichi
sector. East of Vyazma the enemy vainly attacked our positions
north of the Vyazma-Kaluga railroad. All enemy attacks at Gzhatsk
and in the Rzhev area were repulsed. Only northwest of Rzhev was
the enemy able to penetrate our lines, but was sealed off.
Northern Army Group :
Enemy nressure on the land bridge leading to the II Army
Corps continued undiminished. Enemy pressure is particularly
strong south of Lake Ladoga where it takes all our reserves to
withstand the enemy attacks.
2. Finnish Front :
The situation remained unchanged.
3. North Africa :
The attaoking force of the Panzer Army surmounted a
great number of minefields and barrages and drove motorized ele-
ments of the 7th British Tank Division back to the east and north.
In the evening our advance resulted in the capture of the line of
Mannaquir el Taiyara just south of Alama Mayil. Reoonnaissanoe
detachments are securing our eastern flank in the direction of
Deir el Ragil. Operations of assault detachments carried out on
the northern front sector during the night of 30 Aug. established
the presence of the 1st South African Division in the area south
of El Alamein. The Air Force supported the offensive of the
Panzer Army with successful attacks of fighter planes and dive
bombers. The Commanding General, German Africa Corps, General of
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CONFIDENTIAL
31 Aug. 1942
the. Panzer Forces Nehring, was wounded, and the Commanding General
of the 21st Panzer Division, General von Bismarck was killed in
action.
Thus the decisive offensive was opened by German
initiative. As it can be assumed that both sides
are of equal strength, better leadership will
1 ultimately bring 
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